Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan and his Pakistani
counterpart Abdul Sattar held talks on bilateral relations and
other issues of mutual interest, and reached broad-ranging
consensus Tuesday afternoon in Islamabad.
Tang Jiaxuan spoke highly of the well-known relations of sincere
friendship, mutual trust and mutual benefits between China and
Pakistan, which have been based on a profound foundation.
Talking on the bilateral economic and trade relations, he noted
that various important projects of cooperation are going smoothly,
and good progress has been made in implementing common visions
reached by leaders of the two countries.
Tang Jiaxuan believed that the comprehensive cooperation between
China and Pakistan will further develop in the new century.
On
developments in South Asia, the Chinese foreign minister praised
the Pakistani government for its efforts in de-escalation of
tension in the region, saying China supports peaceful solution to
disputes through dialogue and negotiation, and is willing to
continue its efforts alongside with other parties concerned to
maintain peace and stability in the region.
Sattar said that over the past more than 50 years, Pakistan-China
friendship has become the cornerstone for Pakistan's diplomacy. He
especially recalled Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji's visit to Pakistan
last May which yielded significant results.
Sattar said that Pakistan cherishes its friendship with China and
believes that common efforts of both sides will further consolidate
and expand the bilateral cooperation.
The Pakistani foreign minister appreciated the active and important
role played by China in maintaining peace and stability in South
Asia.
He
expressed the will to improve the Pakistan-India relations on the
basis of the United Nations Charter and the principle of peaceful
co-existence.
The two foreign ministers agreed to set up a "China-Pakistan
Friendship Forum" and to enhance mutual consultation, coordination
and cooperation in regional and international affairs including in
the fight against terrorism.
Tang Jiaxuan arrived here on Tuesday afternoon for an official
visit to Pakistan.
( May
15, 2002)