Support for Pakistan free of any conditions: China
Source : Daily Times Date : 02-09-2014 By : Farooq Awan
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BEIJING: China on Monday said its financial and economic support for Pakistan was totally unconditional and based on the spirit of win-win cooperation. “No strings are attached to our support for the brotherly country. It has no ceilings. We continue to work with each other with sincerity and on the basis of win-win cooperation,” Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Jianchao told a group of visiting journalists from Pakistan and Sri Lanka. “We are pursuing the agenda of a mutually beneficial partnership for the benefit of the people of both countries.”
The minister said that Chinese President Xi Jinping is visiting Pakistan around the middle of this month on the first leg of his one-week tour to South Asia. Other two countries he is set to visit are India and Sri Lanka. “The visit to Pakistan is in line with our mission to enhance bilateral cooperation and strategic partnership and mutual trust,” the minister said. The sincerity in our relationship with Pakistan is the driving force behind boosting our existing ties to a new level, he said, and added that the relations between the two countries are not only on government-to-government level but also enjoy the confidence of masses in both countries. “This is the real beauty of our relations. We are not limited to one political party or one government in Pakistan. We enjoy equal trust of all political parties in Pakistan, whether in government or the opposition,” the minister said, and added that two countries are jointly striving to enhance this relationship that has already been tested by time and has withstood every challenges for last many decades.
The minister said that Chinese president will have detailed discussions with Pakistani leaders during his upcoming visit on the prospects of exploring further opportunities of mutual cooperation. He said at least 25 major projects, especially in the energy sector, are being run in Pakistan by Chinese companies at present. The president is set to sign several new agreements as well as MoUs during his visit besides reviewing progress in the projects already being executed. “Defence, energy, capacity building, technology development, people-to-people contacts and cultural exchanges are the major areas to be discussed during the tour.”
To a question, the minister said that no force can hinder the journey of progress and the bilateral relationship. “China and Pakistan are sincere friends. We are determined to support Pakistan in all fields. We want to give a clear message to the government and the people of Pakistan that we fully stand by them in their efforts for a strong, stable and prosperous Pakistan,” he said. “The deep level of mutual trust and confidence will thwart any evil designs by any negative force.”
The minister said Pakistan-China deep-rooted relationship is a driving force to promote peace, stability and prosperity in the region. “This is in line with the aspirations of common people living in this region,” he said. The two countries are actively working on construction of economic corridor, which he said will open new avenues of socio-economic cooperation.
To a question, the minister said Pakistan is playing an important role in combating terrorism and extremism. “Pakistan’s army and the people have paid huge sacrifices in this fight. We highly appreciate Pakistan for it role in making the region free of terrorism,” he said, and added that the two countries will continue their cooperation to root out menace of terrorism. “Pakistan’s military and civilian government have assured us their full support in fighting out terrorist activities in Xinjiang region. Terrorism is our common enemy and we stand by each in getting rid of it.”
About the engagements of the Chinese president’s upcoming visit to Pakistan, Liu Jianchao said the exact details are being finalised through diplomatic channels. The exact date as well as the schedule will be announced very soon, he said, and hoped the visit will be another milestone in relationship between the two countries and help bringing them closer to each other.