Following is the text of the joint statement between the People’s Republic of China and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan:- “At the invitation of HE Wen Jiabao, Premier of the state council of the People’s Republic of China, HE Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, Prime Minister of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, paid an official visit to the People’s Republic of China from 17-20 May 201.
The visit was held in the context of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan and celebration of the year 2011 as the year of China-Pakistan friendship. Premier Wen Jiabao and Prime Minister Gilani held formal talks. President Hu Jintao, Chairman Jia Qinglin of the National Committee of the CPPCC and State Councilor Liu Yandong met with Prime Minister separately. The in-depth exchange of views by the leaders of the two countries was held in an atmosphere of warmth, understanding, trust and respect.
The two leaders reached broad agreement on continuing to work to promote China-Pakistan strategic partnership of cooperation. Prime Minister Gilani attended the reception to celebrate the 60th anniversary of China Pakistan diplomatic relations and the inaugural meeting of China Pakistan entrepreneurs Forum. He delivered a speech at the Peking University, visited Shanghai, and attended and addressed the opening ceremony of the Taihu Cultural Forum in Suzhou.
Leaders of the two countries reviewed with immense satisfaction the growth of China Pakistan relations from strength to strength in the past 60 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations and agreed that the all-weather and time tested friendship and all dimensional cooperation have become the defining features of these relations. The leaders are firmly committed to expanding and deepening the strategic partnership, economic collaboration and people-to-people contacts.
The leaders agreed that the China-Pakistan Friendship Years is an occasion to celebrate the friendship between the two countries and an opportunity to advance practical cooperation and make our strategic partnership more extensive and productive. They also reviewed with satisfaction the momentum of the activities being held in the political, economic, trade, military, cultural, sports and educational fields in both countries to commemorate the year.
Both side agreed that friendship and cooperation between China and Pakistan serves the fundamental interests of the two countries and peoples, and contributes to peace, stability and development in the region and beyond. The two sides shared the view that against the background of a complex and ever changing international and regional situation, it is of high significance to consolidate and deepen the China-Pakistan all weather strategic partnership of cooperation in line with the principles and spirit of the treaty of friendship, Cooperation and Good-neighborly relations between the People’s Republic of China and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan signed in 2005.
The Chinese side reiterated that the Chinese government always places high on its diplomatic agenda, consolidating and developing relations with Pakistan and is firm on the policy of pursuing friendly ties with Pakistan. The Chinese side expressed appreciation for the longstanding, firm support of Pakistan on issues that concern China’s core interest. The Pakistani side stressed that pursuing friendship with China is the bedrock of Pakistan’s foreign policy and enjoys national consensus.
The Pakistani side appreciated the strong support and selfless assistance of the Chinese government and people for its economic and social development. The Pakistani side thanked the Chinese side for its assistance for the relief efforts during the severe floods and post-disaster reconstruction in Pakistan.
The Chinese side reiterated that it believes that Pakistan’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity should be respected and its efforts for promoting peace and stability in South Asia should be recognised and supported. The Pakistan side reiterated its firm commitment to the one-China policy and support for the cause of China’s reunification.
The two sides agreed to further intensity cooperation in infrastructure development, energy and agriculture on a priority basis in line with the decisions taken during the visit of Premier Wen Jiabao to Pakistan. The two leaders also noted the recent progress in mutually beneficial cooperation in the financial cooperation in the financial and banking sectors. The two sides are in negotiations of a currency swap agreement and the ICBC will soon open its branches in Pakistan.
The two sides reiterated that they will continue to enhance mutual trust and cooperation in the military and security fields for peace, security and stability of the two countries and the region. The two sides also agreed to give further impetus to the exchanges and cooperation in the field of maritime security.
The two sides noted the excellent framework for bilateral trade and economic cooperation in the form of the Five Year Development Programme on Trade and Economic Cooperation and the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement. The establishment of the China-Pakistan Entrepreneurs Forum will further strengthen exchanges between their business communities.
The two sides shared the view that terrorism, separatism and extremism pose serious threats to regional peace, stability and security. They reaffirmed their resolve to undertake substantive cooperation under bilateral and multilateral frameworks, and jointly fight the above mentioned three forces. The Chinese side recognised the tremendous efforts and the great sacrifice that Pakistan has made in fighting terrorism, and reiterated its respect and support for the efforts of Pakistan to advance its counter-terrorism strategy and safeguard its security.
Pakistan reiterated that it would never allow its territory to be used to attack any country and will continue to support international counter-terrorism cooperation. The Chinese side held the view that Pakistan is an important state of the region and plays a vital role in safeguarding peace, security and stability in the region. The two sides agreed to strengthen communication and coordination in regional affairs, on hot spot issues such as the issue of Afghanistan and regional cooperation.
The two sides agreed to commit to stronger solidarity and cooperation among developing countries and agreed to step up communication and cooperation on major international issues such as climate change, food and energy security and the UN reform. The two sides signed three agreements/memorandums of understanding on cooperation in the fields of economic assistance, finance and mining.
Prime Minister Gilani expressed appreciation of Premier Wen Jiabao and the government and people of China for the warm hospitality accorded to him and his delegation. Prime Minister Gilani invited Chinese leaders to pay official visits to Pakistan at a mutually convenient time. The two sides agreed to discuss this matter through diplomatic channels.”
