Pakistan stands by China in difficult times: PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani Thursday expressed grief over the loss of lives in China due to massive earthquake, and said Pakistan stands by its brotherly country in this difficult hour.
“The loss of human lives in China is also considered a loss for Pakistan. I assure you that at this odd hour, we are with you and stand by you,” the Prime Minister said during his visit to Chinese embassy to offer condolence with the ambassador on quake tragedy.
The Prime Minister expressed sorrow over the colossal loss of lives and property in Sichuan province in the wake of 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck the region, killing more than 15,000 people.
In his comments in the visitors’ book placed at the embassy, the Prime Minister wrote, “In these moments of grief for the Chinese people, the whole Pakistani nation join me in extending the families of the deceased most profound condolences.”
The Prime Minister said he also conveyed his condolence to the Premier of the State Council and assured solidarity with the people of China.
“We hope that the great Chinese nation will overcome the tragic phase at the soonest,” he said.
Later in a separate meeting with the Ambassador of China Luo Zhaohui, the President expressed sorrow over the tragic incident that claimed thousands of lives.
Gilani said Pakistan enjoys excellent relations with China, which stands as a cornerstone of its foreign policy.
He recalled his visits to China and expressed the confidence that the time-tested Pakistan-China friendship would continue to flourish in the times to come.
The Ambassador thanked the government of Pakistan for its assistance in the hour of need.
“A friend in need is a friend indeed, and we appreciate that Pakistan stands by us in this hour.”
Secretary Foreign Affairs Salman Bashir and senior officials also attended the meeting.