Pakistan commits going to ‘new heights’ with China

President Asif Ali Zardari has reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to take its historical and time-tested all-weather friendship with china to ‘new heights’ and to continue working hand-in-hand with China for the peace and stability of the region and the mutual benefit of the people of two countries.
During his meeting with the Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi here in New York on the sidelines of UN Annual Session‚ the President said that Pakistan and China were tied together by the bonds that transcends the Governmental level and permeates to the level of the people of the two countries. What truly sets our friendship apart from other bilateral relationships is the depth of feeling that exists between our two peoples‚ the President remarked.
Expressing satisfaction over the existing level of multifacted relationship of the two countries‚ the President remarked that it was highly encouraging to see the traditional friendship transforming into economic terms for the mutual benefit of the people of two countries.
He said that Pakistan greatly values China’s economic support and assistance. Indeed‚ our Chinese brethren have always been there to help us whenever we needed any assistance from their side‚ the President remarked. He said that our ultimate goal is closer economic integration with China. He said that Pakistan wanted to promote closer collaboration with China in agriculture‚ irrigation‚ energy‚ infrastructure development‚ railways‚ and security sectors.
The President said that in view of present energy crisis‚ Chinese assistance in the energy sector‚ especially‚ would be critical in helping the country overcome its energy shortages.
He said that upward trajectory followed by the bilateral trade was encouraging. However‚ we need to further strengthen our economic and trade ties in order to fully exploit the existing potential. The President expressed the hope that currency swap agreement of the two countries will boost trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.
The President said that Pakistan was offering great incentives to the Chinese business community and investors to get maximum benefits of the available opportunities available in Pakistan. He said that the Government would provide all possible facilitation to the business community to undertake successful business ventures in the country. In this regard the President also mentioned recent legislation on Special Economic Zones which is intended to help the business community in reducing the cost of doing business and enhancing their rate of return.
Discussing regional situation‚ the President said that China being an important player and a source of stability for the region has a great role in promoting peace‚ stability and socio-economic development of the region. He said that militancy and terrorism was the greatest challenge faced by the region and needs to be confronted jointly with concerted efforts. Appreciating Chinese support to the country in its fight against militancy‚ the President reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to fighting terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
Those who were present during the meeting included Mr. Asfandyar Wali Khan‚ Chairman of the standing committee on foreign Affairs‚ Foreign Minister Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar‚ Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Dr. Farooq Sattar‚ Secretary General M. Salman Faruqui‚ Foregin Secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani‚ Pakistan’s Ambassador Masood Khan and others.
The Chinese side included among others Ambassador Li Baodong‚ Luo Zhaohui‚ Director General Dept. of Asia Affairs‚ MFA‚ Cai Run‚ DG Dept. of Policy Planning‚ Chen Xu‚ DG Dept. of Intl. Organizations and Conferences‚ and others.