Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi held talks with his Pakistani counterpart, Hina Rabbani Khar, in Beijing on Wednesday, pledging to further promote bilateral ties.

Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi (R) shakes hands with his Pakistani counterpart Hina Rabbani Khar during their talks in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 24, 2011. [Ding Lin/Xinhua]

Yang hailed the China-Pakistan relationship as a "high-quality strategic cooperative partnership," saying the two countries are close neighbors and have forged an all-weather friendship.

Yang voiced his appreciation for Pakistan's consistent support of China's core interests, including issues related to Taiwan, Tibet and Xinjiang.

He said China will continue to stand by Pakistan in safeguarding its national stability and developing its economy.

Yang said this year marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Pakistan as well as the Year of China-Pakistan Friendship, which generates new opportunities for bilateral relations.

China is willing to take the opportunities to work with Pakistan in elevating the two countries' strategic cooperative partnership, he added.

Khar said developing friendly relations with China is the cornerstone of Pakistan's foreign policy and that the government and all sectors of society agree on cementing the two countries' traditional friendship.

The government of Pakistan firmly adheres to the one-China policy and continues to support China on issues regarding its core interests, she said

Khar thanked China for its support of Pakistan in social and economic construction. She said Pakistan hopes to make joint efforts with China to enhance cooperation in various fields, including energy, infrastructure, agriculture, and finance, and to further promote the strategic cooperative partnership of Pakistan and China.

Yang and Khar also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao also met with Khar Wednesday afternoon.

Wen reaffirmed China's support for Pakistan's efforts in preserving national stability and promoting social and economic development.

He called on the two sides to promote the sustainable development of the Pakistani economy and to expand cooperation in trade, investment and technology.