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Pakistan, China agree to expand cooperation
ST. PETERSBURG: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Monday expressed their resolve to further strengthen bilateral ties in economic, defence and energy sectors for the mutual benefit of two countries.The two leaders who met on the sidelines of summit of Shanghai Cooperation Organization, here discussed whole gamut of strategic and economic cooperation between their countries. They discussed the matters relating to agriculture, power generation and finance besides reviewing progress on Sino-Pak bilateral ties.
The meeting scheduled for 40 minutes lasted for more than an hour.
Chinese Premier Wen reiterated his government's support for Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity. He underscored the importance of time-tested strategic partnership between China and Pakistan, an official privy to the meeting told APP.
He expressed appreciation for Pakistan's role in fight against terrorism and extremism and called for greater international recognition of its efforts and sacrifices in this regard.
Wen also commended Pakistan government's principle stand to safeguard its sovereignty without bending to undue pressure.
He said China supports Afghanistan's stability and security because it has bearings on regional stability and security.
It is for this reason that China supports political reconciliation process with Afghanistan's ownership, he added.
Prime Minister Gilani said his country attached great importance to enhancing economic and trade links with China which include promoting closer collaboration in energy, mining, infrastructure, information technology, telecom, agriculture, irrigation, railways, communication, finance and banking.
He called upon the expedition of currency swap between the two countries.
Gilani said strategic and defence cooperation was an important component of both the countries.
He said Pakistan applauds China's active role in Shanghai Cooperation Organization and its support for Pakistan's full membership.
He said that mega projects like Gwadar, Korakorum Highway, Heavy Mechanical Complex and Neelum Jhelum Hydro-electric plant are being completed with China's assistance.
He said Pakistan was grateful for the on-going cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear technology.
Prime Minister Gilani sought investment by Chinese companies in Pakistan's various areas and stressed the need for making efforts to realize full potential of bilateral trade.
Chinese Premier stressed upon regional solution for regional issues and said China welcomes Pakistan-India dialogue. He added that it would benefit the people of the countries in particular and the region in general.
He congratulated Pakistan's election to the UN Security Council's non-permanent seat, adding that Pakistan would play an important role in promotion of international peace.
Gilani thanked the Chinese government for supporting Pakistan for the UN Security Council's non-permanent seat.
He assured his counterpart that Pakistan would settle the legal formalities with Singapore entity which has been given the contract to run the Gwadar port. He expressed the hope that matter would be resolved soon.
In the field of energy, the Chinese bank ICBS has shown keen interest to finance the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline.
Both the sides agreed to renew the five-year Trade Development Plan between the two countries.
Gilani said that the volume of trade between the two countries does not commensurate with the strategic and geographical proximity equation. The Pakistan trade can touch the figure of 15 billion dollars conveniently in next three years, he said.
The Chinese Premier said the work of reconstruction and repair of roads is underway after the relief and rescue operation in the flood-affected areas.
He emphasized on the reopening of the Korakorum Highway, the parts of which have been submerged due to the Ata Abad lake.
Gilani said he was grateful for the Chinese government for extending help in dealing with the aftermath of the Ata Abad lake which had halted the flow of people and transportation of goods. (APP)
Courtesy www.Geo.tv