BEIJING: Following is the text of a joint statement between China and Pakistan issued here on Thursday after the end of formal talks between the leaders of the two countries.
On the invitation of President Hu Jintao, President Asif Ali Zardari paid a state visit to China on 14-17 October 2008.
President Hu Jintao held talks with President Zardari. Wu Bangguo, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress, Wen Jiabao, Premier of the State Council, and Jia Qinglin, Chairman of the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference, met Zardari respectively.
Talks between the two presidents and Zardaris meetings with other Chinese state leaders were characterized by traditional warmth, friendship and mutual understanding. The two leaders reached broad agreement on strengthening China-Pakistan strategic partnership of co-operation and on international and regional issues of mutual interest under the new circumstances. The Pakistani president also held wide-ranging discussions with the leaders of Chinese corporations and financials institutions.
The leaders of the two countries reviewed with satisfaction the growth of China-Pakistan relations over the past 57 years since the two countries established diplomatic ties. They agreed that the friendship between China and Pakistan has withstood the test of time and practice, notwithstanding changes in the international, regional and domestic environments.
The all-weather friendship and all-round cooperation have become the distinctive features of China-Pakistan relations.
Both sides agreed that it is essential that the two sides make continuous efforts to strengthen good neighbourly relations and friendship, develop mutually beneficial cooperation and deepen strategic partnership of co-operation between China and Pakistan which serves the fundamental interests of the two peoples and contributes to peace and development in the region.
Both sides agreed that the Treaty of Friendship, Co-operation and Good-neighbourly Relations between the Peoples Republic of China and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan (Treaty) signed in April 2005 is of great historic and immediate significance, laying a solid legal foundation for the long-term, stable and healthy growth of China-Pakistan relations. Both sides decided to abide by the policies and principles enshrined in the Treaty, earnestly implement the bilateral legal documents signed since the two countries established diplomatic ties and further intensify cooperation in the areas of economy, defence, science and technology, people to people contact, thus constantly advancing the China-Pakistan strategic partnership of co-operation.
China stressed that Pakistan is Chinas good neighbour, close friend, dear brother and trusted partner. China will continue to view China-Pakistan relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, and make joint efforts with Pakistan to lift China-Pakistan Strategic partnership of co-operation to a new high.
Pakistan stressed that Pakistan-China relationship is the cornerstone of its foreign policy, and friendship with China represents the common desire of all Pakistani people. Pakistan appreciated the strong support and assistance provided by the Government and people of China to Pakistan in its economic development. Pakistan remained committed to continuing its policy of friendship towards China and making unremitting efforts to promote the healthy and steady growth of relations between the two countries.
Pakistan unequivocally upholds the one-China policy and considers Taiwan as an inseparable part of the Peoples Republic of China and supports all efforts made by the Chinese government to realize national reunification.
China appreciated Pakistans long-term and staunch support to China on issues concerning Chinas sovereignty and territorial integrity, reaffirmed its support for Pakistans effort to uphold its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and appreciated Pakistans important role in promoting regional peace, stability and security and strengthening international counter-terrorism efforts.
Both sides opposed to all forms of terrorism, extremism and separatism, resolved to co-operate with each other to fight the above-mentioned three forces. China conveyed its complete support to Pakistans commitment and efforts to fight terrorism and appreciated the sacrifices made by the government and people of Pakistan in this regard.
The two sides agreed that economic co-operation is an important part in the strategic partnership between the two countries. The two countries enjoy great economic complementarity and should fully tap the potential and comprehensively deepen mutually beneficial co-operation in the economic field.
Both sides agreed to fast track the implementation of the Five Year Development Programme on Economic Co-operation and make full use of the Free Trade Agreement in Goods and Investment and Pakistan-China Joint Investment Company. In this regard, they agreed to convene a meeting of Pakistan-China Economic Co-operation Group under the Five Year Development Programme on Economic Co-operation at an early date. They also agreed to hold the next meeting of the Joint Economic Commission at the convenience of both countries.
Both sides agreed to enhance co-operation to further develop and boost Pakistans Mineral and Energy sectors as well as broaden financial and banking sector co-operation. They also agreed to further enhance connectivity by developing new communication links including fibre optic links. They agreed to explore the concept of Integrated Border Management, overland trade and development of trans-border economic zones.
Both sides agreed to maintain communication and co-ordination on major international and regional issues to safeguard their common interests. Both sides agreed to continue to co-operate closely on issues such as the reform of the United Nations, climate change and energy and food security to promote world peace and development.
Zardari offered congratulations to the Chinese government and people on the successful hosting of the Beijing Olympic Games and the successful completion of Shenzhou VIIs mission. Hu Jintao congratulated Zardari on his election as the president of Pakistan and thanked Pakistan for its valuable assistance in the wake of the devastating earthquake in Wenchuan, China. He also appreciated Pakistans support to ensure the success of the Beijing Olympics and Paralympics Games. Pakistan applauded the outstanding achievements China has made in the 30 years of reform and opening-up and believes that Chinas development will contribute to world peace and prosperity.
Zardari invited Hu Jintao to visit Pakistan once again at his convenience. Chinese president thanked Pakistani president for his kind invitation.
Both sides signed the following agreements and memorandum of understandings (MoUs) during the visit:
1. Agreement on economic and technical co-operation between the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Government of the Peoples Republic of China.
2. Amending protocol to free trade agreement between the Government of the Peoples Republic of China and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
3. Framework Agreement on co-operation in the field of minerals between the national development and reforms committee of the Peoples republic of China and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources of Pakistan.
4. MoU on co-operation between the Ministry of Land Resources of the Peoples Republic of China and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources of Pakistan.
5. Agreement on environmental protection co-operation between the Ministry of Environmental Protection of the Peoples Republic of China and the Ministry of Environment of Pakistan.
6. Framework agreement for co-operation in the field of radio and television between the state administration of radio, film and television, Government of the Peoples Republic of China and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
7. Paksat-1R satellite procurement contract by and between China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC) and Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO).
8. MoU on scientific collaboration in agricultural research and technical co-operation between Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and Agricultural Research Council of Pakistan.
9. Agreement on properties exchange between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Peoples Republic of China and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
10. Co-operation agreement between Beijing Museum of Natural History of the Peoples Republic of China and the Museum of Natural History of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
11. MoU on co-operation between the cricket association of the Peoples Republic of China and the Cricket Board of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
12. MoU regarding the project of x-ray container and vehicle inspection system between NUCTECH Company Limited, Tsinghua University, the Ministry of Education of the Peoples Republic of China and the Ministry of Interior of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.