News
Monday, April 02, 2012
Gilani seeks China’s help over IP gas pipeline project* Also seeks help for Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project
* Says Pakistan considers ETIM ‘threat’ to both countries
* Li Keqiang says China supports Pak sovereignty
BOAO: Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Sunday sought China’s cooperation on the Iran-Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline project.
In a meeting with Chinese Executive Vice Premier Li Keqiang, Gilani said Pakistan would also appreciate China’s help on the Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project and construction of small and medium-sized dams.
The two countries also agreed to stand with each other “in all circumstances” and vowed to uphold their sovereignty and territorial integrity at all costs.
“China’s friend is our friend and China’s enemy is our enemy,” Gilani told the Chinese leader on the sidelines of Boao Forum.
Gilani said Islamabad supported Beijing’s stance on Taiwan, Tibet and Xinqiang.
Gilani said Pakistan was grateful to China’s support for upholding Pakistan’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. He said the Pakistani government gave high importance to the security of Chinese working in Pakistan.
The prime minister also condemned the recent terrorist incident in the Chinese city of Kashgar, and said Pakistan considered East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM) “a common threat to both the countries”.
Gilani said the Pak-China friendship was based on mutual trust and respect and remained the cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy.
He said Pakistan was committed to fighting terrorism in all its forms. “We are pursuing the war against terrorism in our own interest and I am glad that the world hailed our policy of dialogue, development and deterrence.” The prime minister said Pakistan valued China’s economic assistance and wished to promote closer collaboration in agriculture, irrigation, energy, infrastructure development, railway and security sectors.
He expressed that the Pak-China Joint Energy Working Group, which would meet soon, was an encouraging landmark in relations of the two countries. He added the five-year Economic Trade Relation Plan was targeting projects that would stimulate social development in Pakistan.
The Chinese executive vice premier said China would also support Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in all situations. “No matter what changes take place at international level, we will uphold Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he said, calling Pakistan and China strategic partners. app
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk