China
and Pakistan on Monday inked a series of agreements on a range
of subjects, signaling stronger ties between the two traditional
allies.
The agreements, which ranged from trade and energy to
agriculture and defense, were signed after President Hu Jintao
held talks with visiting Pakistani President General Pervez
Musharraf.
Musharraf, who arrived in Beijing on Sunday for a five-day
visit, on Monday strongly condemned the attack on Chinese engineers
in Pakistan last Wednesday that left three of them dead, and vowed
to apprehend the culprits as soon as possible and mete out harsh
punishment.?
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But Musharraf stressed that Pakistan's friendship with China
will "not be affected by the incident."
During their two-hour meeting on Monday afternoon, Hu and
Musharraf reviewed the development of China-Pakistan ties, which Hu
said are "all-weather" and "time-tested."
The friendship serves as an example of peaceful coexistence and
sincere cooperation between countries of different social systems
and cultures, Hu said.
Echoing Hu's view, Musharraf said the Pakistani government and
people regard China as "a trustworthy neighbor and friend" and
would like to maintain the bilateral friendship and step up
strategic cooperation.
Musharraf's visit coincided with the 55th anniversary of
diplomatic ties between the two countries, and he has been invited
to launch a series of commemorative events.
He will also meet with other senior Chinese leaders, including
China's top legislator Wu
Bangguo and Premier Wen
Jiabao.
According to the bilateral deals reached on Monday, China and
Pakistan will step up collaboration in vocational training,
pesticide cooperation and fisheries.
The two countries will also work together on earthquake studies,
meteorological science and family planning.
Hu suggested the two sides complete the ongoing projects and
expand collaboration in fields such as energy, transportation,
agriculture and infrastructure, which are all covered in Monday's
agreements.
The two sides also signed an agreement on the utilization of
preferential buyer's credit.
Hu said he hoped the two sides can ratchet up the negotiation
process, so as to set up the China-Pakistan free trade area as soon
as possible.
Moreover, Hu called for further cooperation on security and a
joint crackdown on the "three forces" plaguing both countries,
namely terrorism, separatism and extremism.
Calling for better relations between Pakistan and India, Hu said
China would like to see the two countries resolve their disputes,
such as the Kashmir issue, through negotiations.
China is ready to develop friendly relations with all South
Asian countries on the basis of equality and mutual benefit, Hu
said. "We hope the South Asia region will maintain peace and
stability and seek common development."
(Xinhua News Agency February 21, 2006)