Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf on Tuesday called on his Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao, who reiterated the stance of his government of supporting the sovereignty and integrity of Pakistan.
Ashraf is currently in China to attend the World Economic Forum’s Annual Summit Meeting of New Champions 2012.
Ashraf and Jiabao met on the sidelines of WEF’s Summit Conference and exchanged views on issues of mutual interest and discussed ways to boost bilateral relations.
The two leaders reaffirmed their governments’ resolve to further strengthen ties in diverse fields particularly trade and defense.
Prime Minister Ashraf said his country attached great importance to enhancing economic and trade links with China that included promoting closer collaboration in projects in energy, telecommunication and railways.
Ashraf said Pakistan gave top priority to its relations with China and wanted to convert this friendship into a strong partnership.
He said Pak-China friendship was exemplary and the country was proud of it. He said friendship with China was the cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy.
The Chinese prime minister said his country considered Pakistan a trusted friend and expressed the confidence that relations between the two countries would further expand in days to come.
Reaffirming support for Pakistan’s sovereignty and integrity‚ the Chinese PM said Pakistan was playing a major role in the war on terror and regional peace and the world must recognize the country’s sacrifices.
He said relations with Pakistan would be further strengthened in various fields.
China would help National Bank of Pakistan in issuance of $6.50 billion bonds and would also send heavy machinery for Attaabad lake next month, he said.
