Sino-Pak relations: Chinese call for boosting partnership

Delegation also met with President Zardari.

ISLAMABAD: In a meeting aimed at strengthening the bond between Pakistan and China, a high-powered Chinese delegation on Wednesday reiterated to stand side by side with Pakistan in the face of external and internal challenges.

The delegation led by Li Changchun, comprising several Chinese ministers, exchanged and shared several proposals to enhance cooperation with a Pakistani delegation led by Pakistan China Institute Chairman Senator Mushahid Hussain.

The delegation led by Hussain urged Beijing to play an active role in the region as US/Isaf troops prepare to transfer the “security lead” to Afghan forces by 2014.

“Under the new circumstances, a strengthened China-Pakistan strategic cooperative partnership serves the fundamental interests of our two peoples and is good for peace, stability and development of the region,” said Li Changchun, a Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee.

“In the circumstances Pakistan faces, the visit of the CPC delegation is demonstration of our friendship,” he added.

Changchun, who arrived in Islamabad on a two-day visit, said he would further cement the friendship between the two countries and make fresh contributions to ensure the peace and stability of the two nations in the region.

The visiting dignitary vowed to enhance coordination between the two nations in the international arena over major regional issues to safeguard peace, stability and mutual interests.

He also paid rich tributes to Islamabad’s sacrifices in the war against terrorism and said Pakistan had won the admiration of the Chinese people through the price it had paid.

“China will always support Pakistan’s efforts towards its sovereignty, integrity and national dignity,” Changchun added.

The Chinese government will increase the number of scholarships for Pakistani students, continue to encourage reputed companies to invest in Pakistan and further improve trade agreements with the hope of reducing the trade deficit of Pakistan, he said, while also welcoming proposals of enhancing cooperation in the fields of trade, tourism, education and media with propositions of enhancing political mutual trust.

Senator Hussain said China proposed cooperation between the two countries in the media field through an exchange programme and training for journalists. He also suggested the set-up of a Chinese university in Islamabad, and corporation in the business sector by supporting young entrepreneurs.

Former joint chiefs of staff committee chairman General Ehsanul Haq said China should play an active role during the transition period in Afghanistan. “Friendship with Pakistan is the need of the hour,” said Haq.

Meeting with President Zardari

Later on, the delegation also met with President Asif Ali Zardari, who called on both sides to take Pak- China bilateral trade and defence ties to new heights.

“Strengthening and further cementing cooperation with China in all areas will remain the key principles guiding Pakistan’s foreign policy,” the president was quoted as saying during a one-on-one session with Changchun.

The delegation will also meet Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 18^th, 2012.