Hu, Musharraf vow more cooperation
Updated: 2008-04-12 07:38
SANYA, Hainan: The leaders of "all-weather friends" China and Pakistan yesterday vowed to enhance cooperation on fighting terrorism and ensuring Olympic security.
President Hu Jintao and visiting Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf made the commitment ahead of the signing of three documents on the management of water resources, science and technology, and sport.
Musharraf is in China on a six-day tour, his first overseas trip since a new government led by his opponents was formed on March 31. On Saturday, he is scheduled to address the opening ceremony of the annual Boao Forum for Asia.
Praising China-Pakistan relations, Hu said China places Pakistan highly in its foreign policy and that principle will not change no matter what happens in international or domestic situations.
He said he wanted to see more trade in the service sector, and added the government will continue to encourage Chinese firms to enhance cooperation with their Pakistani counterparts in the fields of finance, telecommunication and energy.
On Monday, China formally handed over the first of four frigates being built for the Pakistani Navy in a deal reportedly worth $800 million.
Developing a strategic partnership with China is the cornerstone of Pakistan's foreign policy, Musharraf said.
Pakistan is firmly opposed to any attempts to politicize or boycott the Beijing Olympics, he said, adding he will make sure the torch relay in Pakistan is a success. Musharraf earlier told reporters he will take part in the torch relay in Islamabad on Wednesday, a day after he concludes his China tour.
Also, Pakistan resolutely regards Tibet as an inalienable part of China and opposes any secessionist activities, he said.
Also yesterday, Hu welcomed and held talks with visiting Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, Mongolian President Nambaryn Enkhbayar, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad and Kazakh Prime Minister Karim Masimov.
The leaders all expressed their sincere wishes for a successful Olympics in Beijing.
(China Daily 04/12/2008 page2)
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