China and Pakistan held a seminar on bilateral relations in
Beijing on Wednesday to commemorate the 55th anniversary of the
establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
The seminar, sponsored mainly by key think tanks from the two
countries, namely the China Institute of International Studies
(CIIS) and the Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad (ISSI),
reviewed the history of bilateral friendship and highlighted common
concerns over a number of key issues such as security in South
Asia, the Middle East situation, US foreign policy,
counter-terrorism coordination, the Iranian nuclear issue and the
comprehensive cooperation between developing countries and close
neighbors.
Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing said the friendship between China
and Pakistan has stood firm over the past 55 years. Mutual
understanding, trust and support have made the two neighbors
reliable strategic partners.
Li also mentioned that President Hu Jintao will visit Pakistan
in two months, but he did not give more details on the visit.
Pakistan is among the earliest countries that recognized the
People's Republic of China since its founding on October 1, 1949.
The two countries have always been friendly and supportive toward
each other in political, economic and cultural fields.
Recent years have seen frequent exchanges of high-level visits.
In 2005, the two signed a treaty on friendship, cooperation and
good neighborly relations during Premier Wen Jiabo's visit to
Pakistan. In 2006, Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf visited
China in February and June.
(Xinhua News Agency September 7, 2006)
