Chinese leaders on Tuesday reaffirmed their support to the "all-weather" Sino-Pakistani friendship and pledged to further their strategic ties.
BEIJING: Amid the severe internal judiciary crisis in Pakistan, Chinese leaders on Tuesday reaffirmed their support to the "all-weather" Sino-Pakistani friendship and pledged to further their strategic ties.
Beijing's support to the beleaguered Pakistani government was conveyed by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing who met separately with visiting Pakistani Foreign Minister Khurshid M Kasuri.
Kasuri is the senior-most Pakistani leader to visit Beijing since the internal crisis erupted after President Pervez Musharraf suspended Chief Justice Iftikar Chaudhry.
Li told Kasuri that as close and friendly neighbours, China and Pakistan enjoy "all-weather friendship and all-round cooperation."
He hoped the two countries could make concerted efforts to implement the consensus reached by the top leaders of both sides to further boost the bilateral strategic partnership.
Kasuri said developing relations with China is a cornerstone of Pakistan's foreign policy.
President Hu Jintao had a successful visit to Pakistan last year and reached wide consensus with Pakistani President General Pervez Musharraf, Kasuri said, adding that he hopes the two countries could further promote bilateral relations.
Li and Kasuri also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern.
Kasuri is paying an official visit to China from March 18 to 21 at the invitation of Li.
Earlier, the Pakistani Foreign Minister said the "progress" has been achieved in the composite dialogue process with India.
Addressing students at Peking University here, Kasuri spoke about the progress in the composite dialogue with India aimed at addressing all outstanding issues including the issue of Jammu and Kashmir.
He said that improving relationship between China and India had no impact on the time-tested friendship between Pakistan and China, which was of a unique nature.
In response to a question on the booming Sino-Indian trade, the Pakistani Foreign Minister said that increased trade between China and India was natural in view of the size of the two economies.
He said the foreign policy of Pakistan focuses on promoting regional peace, security and development.
Referring to strategic partnership with China, Kasuri said it is based on principles of peaceful coexistence and good neighbourly relations.
The Sino-Pakistan friendship has now matured into a comprehensive partnership serving the interests of the two countries and contributing to peace and stability of the region, he said.
He also addressed Pakistan's policy regarding Afghanistan, counter-terrorism, nuclear non-proliferation and Pakistan's relations with the United States.
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