Commitment to strengthening ties

cctv.com 02-22-2006 08:51

Visiting Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf has met Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and the top leader of the country's advisory body, Jia Qinglin. Musharraf, who is on a five-day visit to China, has already met President Hu Jintao and top legislator Wu Bangguo. During their talks, the leaders of the two nations vowed to expand cooperation and tighten ties.

Premier Wen Jiabao told the Pakistan guest that China will continue to consolidate and promote the Sino-Pakistani partnership, based on the Five-Principles of peaceful co-existence and the region's peace and stability.

Wen also urged the two governments to adjust their trade systems to create a complementary relationship. He said the Chinese government will encourage local companies to invest in Pakistan. Musharraf promised the Pakistan government will guarantee the safety of the Chinese people.

In his meeting with Jia Qinglin, Musharraf reiterated a hope to deepen cooperation between the two nations. Jia says both countries should promote exchanges and cooperation, especially among civilians.

On Monday, President Hu Jintao held talks with Musharraf, soon after he arrived. The leaders emphasized further cooperation on security and a joint crackdown on the "three forces" plaguing both nations, namely terrorism, separatism and extremism. They reviewed the development of Sino-Pakistani ties, which Hu described as "all-weather" and "time-tested."

After the discussions, the two governments inked a series of agreements, ranged from trade and energy to agriculture and defense.

Musharraf also met top legislator, Wu Gangguo, on Monday. Musharraf again expressed his condolences following last Wednesday's deaths of three Chinese engineers in Pakistan. He vowed to arrest the culprits as soon as possible and punish them.

This is Musharraf's third official visit to China as president. He will also go to the southwest province of Sichuan, before his tour wraps up on Thursday.

Editor:Wang Ping  Source:CCTV.com