A six-member Chinese delegation led by General, Ma Xiaotian, Deputy Chief of General Staff, People Republic of China, called on Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf here on Tuesday. They discussed the matters on bilateral interests. The Prime Minister said, "We are proud of our excellent relations with People Republic of China with whom we have a strategic partnership".
Our co-operation with China on regional and international fora is exemplary, he added. The Prime Minister said that Pakistan attaches great importance to its relationship with China, which is time tested and beneficial to both the countries. He said that we are grateful to our Chinese friends for their assistance in undertaking development projects in Pakistan. He said that political situation in Pakistan has stabilised and as we approach elections. "Parliamentary democracy is taking roots in the country", he added.
General Ma said, "Friendship between China and Pakistan is of strategic significance". He expressed confidence that with the passage of time these relations would deepen further.
The General said that Pakistan-China relations are unique in nature though both countries have different history, culture and ideology they have excellent relations as they are based on strong political foundations, strategic interest and mutual respect for each other. These relations are an example for the rest of the world. "Our strategic relationship is consistent with our need for socio-economic development", he added.
He said that our friendly relations with Pakistan are backed by our social economic and cultural co-operation in the fields of infrastructure, energy, agriculture, education and health.
He also informed the Prime Minister about his discussions with Pakistani military leadership and expressed satisfaction over the level of co-operation between the two armed forces. This co-operation, he said, included high level exchanges, training programmes and information sharing. Referring to the efforts of Pakistan and its role in fight against terrorism, he said that "Pakistan had made enormous sacrifices and its contribution deserve recognition by international community".
The Prime Minister said that Pakistan respects China's territorial integrity. He expressed confidence that the visit of Chinese military delegation would further enhance the existing relations between two countries. The Chinese general was accompanied by Liu Jian, Ambassador of China and other senior officers. General Khalid Shameem Wynee, Chairman Joint Chief of Staff Committee and senior officials were present during the meeting.-PR