Chinese Vice Minister calls on President Musharraf’

ASSOCIATED PRESS SERVICE



ISLAMABAD, Mar 28 : President Pervez Musharraf Friday highlighting Pak-China relations said Pakistan cherishes its long-standing friendship with China and confident that it would continue to gain strength in future to serve the best interests of the two countries and the region.He was talking to Liu Hongcai, Vice Minister of the International Department of Communist Party of China who is leading a five-member delegation for the 9th Meeting of the Standing Committee of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) being held in Islamabad from Friday to Sunday.
President Musharraf said that relations with China form the bedrock of Pakistan’s Foreign Policy.
President Musharraf thanked the Chinese leadership for their expression of goodwill and solidarity for Pakistan.
The President thanked the Chinese Government for its cooperation in socio-economic field. He emphasized the need for increase in trade and investment ties with China.
President Musharraf said that Pakistan is firmly opposed to any attempts to undermine China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Chinese Vice Minister expressed thanks for Pakistan’s support.
He also congratulated the Chinese government on holding the forthcoming Beijing Olympics and said that Pakistan was happy that it had been chosen as one of the venues for the Olympic Torch Relay.
Conveying warm greetings from President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao, Vice Minister Liu Hongcai complimented the President on the successful completion of election and said that China had always stood by Pakistan and will continue its support and cooperation in future.
Liu said that Pakistan and China friendship is etched in the hearts of the two peoples.
These relations have withstood the changes in global and regional environment and were strategic in character, marked by high level of mutual trust and all round cooperation, he said.
He said the cooperation will be further consolidated in future.
Mr. Liu lauded President’s special contribution to promote this friendship between the two countries.
Referring to Pakistan’s important role in the fight against terrorism and extremism Liu said that both countries shared similar views to deal with this scourge.