Pakistan, China focus on expanded trade relations
Source : Associate Press of Pakistan Date : May 23, 2013
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ISLAMABAD, May 22 (APP): Pakistan and China Wednesday agreed to jointly work on an economic corridor for enhanced connectivity, aimed at benefiting their people and the region in general. The talks between the two close allies were held here at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, during the visit of Chinese Premier’s Li Keqiang’s two day visit to Pakistan. Premier Li who took over the charge of the Premier in March this year is on a four-nation visit. President Asif Ali Zardari addressing a joint press stakeout along with the Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said “our top priority is to further strengthen economic linkages.” President Zardari described his talks with Premier Li as “excellent” and added “our discussions focused on economic corridor and improving connectivity between Pakistan and Western regions of China.” Premier Li Keqiang said both sides have decided on a long term program - a strategic idea for the peace and stability of the world.
“We hope by pushing forward connectivity, economic corridor will become a reality for the benefit of the two people,” Li said.
President Zardari said both the countries were determined to achieve the bilateral trade target of US 15 billion dollars and have agreed to speed up work on the projects identified under the Five-Year Development Programme.
The trade between the two countries has for the first time risen over US 12 billion dollars.
President Zardari said “We have also decided to press ahead with the second phase of negotiations on China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement and start work on the China-Pakistan Agriculture Demonstration Zone.”
He said the two countries discussed various connectivity proposals including fibre optics, road and rail links and energy projects.
“We also discussed long term plans about Pakistan-China economic corridor,” he said and pointed that Pakistan greatly values its brotherly relations with China.
President Zardari warmly welcomed Premier Li to Pakistan, his second home and recalled his meeting with him in August 2011.
“We are delighted that Mr. Li has chosen Pakistan among the first countries to visit after taking over as Premier of the State Council,” President Zardari said.
He said friendship with China has always been the cornerstone of our foreign policy.
“Our friendship with China is rooted in national consensus. This friendship is not only between the governments but also between the two peoples. It is also time tested,” the President said.
President Zardari said Pakistan believes that China was an important factor of peace and stability in the region and added that China’s economic progress was an example for many countries.
He said Pakistan greatly values China’s economic support and assistance.
“We are extremely grateful to the Chinese government for their continued support to the affected people of Attabad Lake and upper Hunza. We need continued assistance in this regard,” he added.
President Zardari said the two countries have signed MoUs and Agreements in the fields of economy, Science and Technology, Space and Upper Atmosphere communication and energy.
He said all these and other agreements are aimed at further strengthening bilateral relations and improving the well-being of the two people.
President Zardari said the “two countries believe that terrorism, separatism and extremism pose serious threats to regional peace, stability and security.”
“We have reiterated our resolve to continue cooperation in combating these evil forces,” President Zardari said.
He also pointed that the two sides have agreed to further expand people-to-people exchanges and said cultural centres would be established in each other’s countries. In this regard he mentioned that the year 2015 will be celebrated as the Year of Friendly Exchanges.
He said both Pakistan and China have also agreed to maintain the tradition of frequent exchanges of visits and meetings at the leadership level.
Premier Li Keqiang recalled his visit to Pakistan 27 years back as part of the youth delegation and said his visit left deep impressions on him. He said the friendship between the two countries was time-tested and all weather.
He said his visit after the holding of general election and before the formation of a new government showed that the Pakistan-China friendship was everlasting. He termed Pakistan-China friendship a valuable asset and said it was something not affected by change of a government and politics.
Premier Li said the conferment of Pakistan’s civil award on him was not only a personal honour, but also reflective of deep affiliation between the two countries.
He said the purpose his visit to Pakistan was to cement friendship between the two countries, that has been nurtured by successive leaders and the people of the two countries.
Premier Li said regular meetings between the leaders would help deepen and further consolidate their ties.
He however stressed that consolidating the strategic cooperation needs to be backed by concrete actions and mentioned the witnessing of agreements on economic and cultural cooperation between the two countries.
Source: http://www.app.com.pk/en_/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=235812&Itemid=1