Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, Sartaj Aziz has said that friendship with China was the cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy as Pakistan and China’s friendship was based on mutual trust and respect.

He was talking to a delegation of Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs (CPIFA), led by Ambassador Lu Shumin, who called on him at the Foreign Office here Saturday.

The delegation is one a three-day visit to Pakistan at the invitation of Islamabad Council of World Affairs (ICWA). The call was followed by a lunch hosted by Syed Zulfiqar Gardezi, additional secretary (Asia Pacific) on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The adviser said, “Our strategic cooperative relationship is an anchor for regional peace and stability. Pakistan adheres to One China Policy and supports China on all issues relating to its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity including Taiwan, Tibet and Hong Kong.”

Major trends in Asian political scene and regional situation were also discussed.

The adviser appreciated the CPIFA and the ICWA’s contribution in enhancing better understanding between the two countries.

He stated that the exchange of such delegations, comprising senior experiences members, strengthened people-to-people contacts, especially among scholars, diplomats and distinguished citizens of the both countries and was a key to better relations between Pakistan and China.

Ambassador Lu Shumin briefed the adviser on the deliberations held with ICWA. He condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Pakistan and lauded the sacrifices rendered by Pakistan and its security forces in its fight against terrorism, which has also helped maintain regional peace and stability.