Pakistan-China PMs Meet: Pledge Best Ties, Coop in War on Terror
By Iqbal Ahmed - Pakistan Times Special Correspondent

BEIJING (China): China will enhance cooperation with Pakistan in anti-terrorism activities, Premier Wen Jiabao said here on Wednesday, adding China welcomes the improvement of Pakistan-India ties.

"China and Pakistan have established all-weather, all-around cooperative partnership despite volatile international changes," Wen told Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz in the Great Hall of the People in downtown here.

Sino-Pakistani trade increased steadily in recent years, and the two countries conducted fruitful cooperation in infrastructure construction, Wen said. He noted that two economies were complementary and have "great potential."

Of Free Trade

Wen suggested the two sides to speed up the study of establishing a free trade area (FTA) and focus on energy, natural resources cooperation and agriculture.
Aziz told Wen that Pakistan recognizes China's full market economy status, which helps pave the way for the forging of an FTA.

The two leaders witnessed the signing of seven economic agreements, including one on trade facilitation and FTA study, after their talks.

China is eager to further cooperation with Pakistan in educational and cultural fields, such as teaching of Chinese language, higher education, science and arts, Wen acknowledged.

Of Perils

However, terrorism and extremism were directly endangering the security of both China and Pakistan, as well as regional peace and stability, Wen said, urging the two countries to take further actions and enhance anti-terrorism cooperation.

Wen said that China endeavors to develop friendly and cooperative ties with all neighboring countries, including South Asian nations.

"China welcomes the constant improvement of Pakistan-India ties," Wen said. "China will play an active role in promoting peace, stability and development in South Asia."

Wen said he appreciated Pakistan's support on the Taiwan issue and other problems concerning Chinese sovereignty and core interest.

Aziz Reciprocates

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz agreed with Wen's remarks on bilateral ties, saying that Pakistani people took pride in their friendly relations with China.

Pakistan and China have had fruitful cooperation in politics, economy, foreign affairs and personnel exchange, Aziz said. He said the exchange of high-level visits strongly backed the development of bilateral relations.

Trade and economic ties

Trade and economic ties were "booming with great potential," and China's political support and economic aid helped Pakistan's economic and social development, he said, adding that Pakistan's government and people appreciate that.

Pakistan Prime Minister said he hopes that more Chinese entrepreneurs would participate in his country's economic progress, especially in trade and investment, culture and tourism.

Pakistan was holding comprehensive dialogue with India and was willing to settle problems on the basis of equality and peaceful coexistence, Aziz said. Pakistan hopes China will continuously play an active role for peace in the region, he said.

Both leaders decided to further strengthen their bilateral coopeation to fight against terrorism. Chinese premier lauded Pakistan's role in rooting out terrorist activities.

During the talks, the leaders spoke highly of their bilateral relationship and frequent personal contacts.

The spokesman said the two leaders were happy over the profound friendship existing between the two countries. "We regard this friendship as All-weather that stood the test of the time," he added.

Bilateral Ties

Both leaders underlined the need of further consolidating their bilateral ties, laying greater focus on the economic sector.

Wen Jiabao said China would like to see establishment of Free Trade Agreement (FTA). He also suggested greater cooperation between the two countries in energy and natural resources sectors, as priority areas.

Shaukat Aziz said Pakistan would like to benefit from Chinese experience for rapid economic development and work side by side for a win-win situation.

Scholarships to Pakistani Students

The Chinese Premier announced giving 30 scholarships annually to Pakistani students in various disciplines. He also offered necessary help for promoting Chinese teaching in Pakistan.

About India-Pakistan peace process, he said "We hope the momentum of their talks will go on towards a positive end." Wen Jiabao said his country is willing to play a constructive role for relaxation of tension in South Asia.

Shaukat Aziz appreciated China's support to Pakistan in improving its ties with India. He told his counterpart that composite dialogue with India was moving ahead positively. Pakistan, he said wishes to settle bilateral disputes peacefully on basis of peaceful co-existence.

China's status as market economy

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said that Pakistan recognized China's status as market economy, hoping it would bring development and prosperity in the entire region.

Wen appreciated Pakistan's support to China in its rapid development. He hoped the two countries would see greater economic interaction in the years to come.●