Chinese, Pakistani leaders speak highly of bilateral ties

Chinese President Hu Jintao (L) shakes hands with Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz July 6, 2005 in Astana of Kazakhstan. The leaders from the member states of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) are here to attend an annual summit.

Chinese President Hu Jintao said in Astana Wednesday that China and Pakistan have set an example for countries with different social systems, different religions and different cultural backgrounds to live in harmony and carry out sincere cooperation.

Their harmonious relationship is also an important factor for promoting regional peace and stability, Hu made the remarks while meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz in the Kazakh capital.

Hu congratulated Aziz on Pakistan's gaining of the observer status in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), saying this is not only conducive to better cooperation between Pakistan and SCO members in efforts to boost stability and development in the

region, but also offers a new platform for the Sino-Pakistani cooperation.

The Chinese president said bilateral economic and trade cooperation is an important driving force for boosting bilateral ties and has brought tangible benefits to the people in both countries.

China is willing to work with the Pakistani side to further push forward bilateral friendly cooperation, Hu said, adding that the rapid economic development in both countries has provided the two sides with new opportunities to deepen their mutually beneficial cooperation.

The Chinese president added that the Sino-Pakistani relations have a solid foundation among their mass public, and that non-governmental exchanges between the two peoples, especially exchanges between the youths of the two countries, should be encouraged and strengthened.

For his part, Aziz said Pakistan would work actively to push forward cooperation with SCO member countries in a bid to realize common development.

The prime minister noted that the Sino-Pakistani friendly relations are getting closer and closer, with bilateral cooperation scoring fruitful results. He welcomes more Chinese

enterprises to take part in Pakistan's economic construction and voices support to all kinds of exchanges between the two countries.

During the meeting, the two leaders also exchanged views on regional and international issues of common concern. Aziz briefed Hu on Pakistan's improved ties with India.

Hu said China will, as always, support the reconciliation between Pakistan and India, safeguard peace and stability in South Asia, and is willing to continue to play a constructive role in this regard.

When talking about UN reforms, the leaders shared the view that reforms are necessary for the world body, but noted that while carrying out the reforms, the aspirations and interests of the vast number of developing countries should be given full account.

A first priority in the reform of the UN Security Council should be to increase the representation of developing countries, two leaders said.

In the meantime, they said, in-depth discussions and extensive consultations should be carried out in line with the principle of democratizing international relations, so as to reach broad consensus on any reform plan, promote the smooth reform of the United Nations and enhance the unity among its member states.

President Hu arrived in Astana on Sunday for a state visit to Kazahkstan and a SCO summit on Tuesday. He is expected to leave here later Wednesday for Gleneagles, Britain, to attend the G8 plus five summit scheduled for July 7.

Source: Xinhua