News
Saturday, May 21, 2011
China urges world to help Pakistan fight terrorism* Chinese president says Pakistan has a unique role in promoting reconciliation, development in Afghanistan
* China calls for respecting Pakistan’s sovereignty
BEIJING: China has called upon the international community to help Pakistan in its endeavours to combat extremism and terrorism, saying Pakistan was an important country in the region and had a unique role in promoting reconciliation and development in Afghanistan.
The call for support to Pakistan in anti-terror war came at a meeting in Beijing between Chinese President Hu Jintao and Pakistan Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, who ended his four-day visit on Friday. The two leaders had an hour detailed discussion on bilateral ties as well as other matters of mutual interest, including regional situation, at the Great Hall of the People.
President Hu Jintao acknowledged Pakistan’s outstanding contribution in combating terrorism, and said that the international community should respect its sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence. He said Pakistan was an important country in the region and had a unique role in promoting reconciliation and development in Afghanistan.
Prime Minister Gilani thanked the Chinese leader for his country’s support to Pakistan for its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity after the recent Abbottabad incident. He said it was always an honour and a moment of pride for Pakistanis whenever they interacted with their Chinese brethren.
A joint statement issued simultaneously from Islamabad and Beijing after the meeting stated, “China believes that Pakistan’s efforts for promoting peace and stability in South Asia need to be recognised and supported.”
“Pakistan reiterated that it would never allow its territory to be used to attack any country and would continue to support international counter-terrorism cooperation,” it added.
The two countries noted that terrorism, separatism and extremism were posing serious threats to the regional peace, stability and security, and called for substantive cooperation. Both the sides agreed to jointly fight these threats under bilateral and multilateral frameworks.
The Chinese side recognised the tremendous efforts and the great sacrifice that Pakistan have made in fighting terrorism, and reiterated its respect and support for the efforts of Pakistan to advance its counter-terrorism strategy and safeguard its security, said the statement.
The two leaders also discussed ways and means to further strengthen the relationship and cooperation between Pakistan and China in diverse fields, with focus on financing of infrastructure, energy and agricultural projects on priority basis in line with the decisions taken during the visit of Premier Wen Jiabao to Pakistan. President Hu said that Prime Minister Gilani’s visit was important as it coincided with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Pakistan and China.
Gilani also congratulated the Chinese president on the 60th anniversary of the establishment of Pak-China diplomatic ties. app
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk