News
Friday, August 26, 2011
New challenge brings Pakistan, China more closer: Hina* FM says efforts being made to create common economic zone
BEIJING: Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar has said that “when a new challenge emerges, it only brings China and Pakistan more closer.
“We have a natural convergence of interests, which could be reflected not only in a bilateral relationship but also in other multilateral forums,” she told China Daily in an exclusive interview. Hina, the youngest and first female foreign minister of Pakistan, was on a two-day official visit to China that concluded on Wednesday.
She pointed out that Pakistan and China would seek “more robust” ties on counter-terrorism through existing cooperation and mechanisms. Both countries, she said, share common interests in building a better relationship to combat terrorism.
“Terrorism is against the national interests of the two countries and also against the common goals of economic development and integration,” she remarked. Upon her arrival in Beijing on Tuesday, Hina said Pakistan and China enjoyed a unique relationship. She said that China was one of the countries that Pakistan had signed a free trade agreement with. Further economic cooperation also could be achieved through regional economic integration, she said.
With President Asif Ali Zardari scheduled to visit northeastern China’s Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region at the end of this month, the 34-year-old foreign minister sees “huge potential” in Pakistan forming closer ties with the region, which will bring the people of the two countries closer, achieve economic integration and enhance the living standards of both countries.
“This will be very robust. Economic activities will be greatly enhanced between the two regions,” she said, noting that efforts are being made to create a common economic zone. Hina said there were pros and cons to being the youngest foreign minister in Pakistan’s history, but she said her seven years of experience in the federal government dealing with economic cooperation prepared her for the job.
Pakistani Ambassador Masood Khan, in his opening remarks at a reception arranged at the Pakistan Embassy, said that Hina had been parliamentarian since 2002 and in various capacities she had been the lead person in Pakistan’s economic diplomacy.
The foreign minister also met Premier Wen Jiabao and her counterpart Yang Jiechi. Her talks with Chinese leadership, the ambassador said covered the full spectrum of bilateral relations and reviewed regional and international situations that impinge on the shared interests of Pakistan and China. Hina said that her ability to develop a peaceful foreign policy that fitted Pakistan was a more important issue than her age and gender.
Since moving into the office, she has been committed to establishing a stable and peaceful relationship with Pakistan’s neighbours. Yang said this year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic ties between China and Pakistan as well as the Year of China-Pakistan Friendship, which generates new opportunities for bilateral relations. China is willing to take the opportunities to work with Pakistan in elevating the two countries’ strategic and cooperative partnership, Yang added. app
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk