Musharraf, Jiang pledge to work jointly for peace: Islamabad’s stance on terrorism backed
During their one-to-one talks and later at the delegations’ level negotiations held at the Great Hall of the Peoples, both leaders renewed their commitments to follow identical policies on regional and international issues, including Afghanistan.
President Jiang supported Pakistan’s initiatives and its continued endeavours for peaceful settlement of the Kashmir issue. Expressing his support to Pakistan’s stand on Kashmir, he hoped the problem would be resolved as soon as possible.
Maj-Gen Rashid Qureshi, press secretary to the president, said the two leaders held in-depth discussion on wide-ranging issues of bilateral, regional and international interests. “There was convergence of views on all issues.”
The one-to-one talks were held for about half an hour in a very cordial and friendly atmosphere. The two leaders decided to take all steps for strengthening their “all-weather friendship” and join hands for achieving peace and stability in South Asia.
During the delegations’ level talks, Mr Jiang said China and Pakistan were close neighbours with traditional friendship, and their friendship had withstood the test of time since the two countries forged diplomatic ties 50 years ago.
China, he said, cherished this friendship and valued the development of friendly and cooperative ties.
He lauded Pakistan’s position against terrorism and said “China understands and supports the decision Pakistan has made in the light of its national interests and the current situation.”
The two countries, he added, would continue to maintain close consultation and coordination, playing a constructive role in actively facilitating a fair settlement of the Afghan issue.
The two sides also identified the areas where the two countries could cooperate with each other for improving socio-economic life of their peoples. The Chinese side assured Pakistan of its greater support for completion of various development projects.
Mr Jiang said China was ready to join the Pakistan government and people in bringing the comprehensive partnership between the two countries to a new height in the new century.
The Chinese president appreciated the economic reforms introduced by the Pakistan government and hoped these would go a long way for economic prosperity of its people.
Mr Jiang greeted Gen Musharraf as an “old friend” to the Chinese people and said he believed the visit would “vigorously” advance the nations’ partnership of collaboration.
“Both sides should further their coordination and cooperation to safeguard the legal rights and interests of all developing countries, including China and Pakistan, and to maintain peace and stability in South Asia and the world at large,” he said, according to the official Xinhua news agency.
INDO-PAKISTAN TENSION: The visit also comes amid heightened tension between Pakistan and India after the Dec 13 attack on India’s parliament.
China’s foreign ministry on Thursday said it was “seriously concerned” at developments, and urged both sides to “exercise restraint”.
Mr Jiang said: “Political stability is not only in the interest of the Pakistani people, but also affects regional peace and stability.” He added that Beijing would “consistently support the country’s efforts to ensure stability, development and regional prosperity”.
“We hope that both sides (India and Pakistan) can exercise restraint and avoid the escalation and deterioration of this tense situation,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue.
India and Pakistan should “solve the problem through dialogue and consultation to preserve peace and stability in the region,” she said.
During talks, Pakistan’s side was assisted by Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz, Commerce Minister Abdul Razzaq Dawood, Petroleum Minister Usman Aminuddin, Foreign Secretary Inamul Haq and Ambassador to China Riaz. H. Khokhar.
The Chinese president was assisted by cabinet members and senior officials of the foreign ministry.
AGREEMENTS: The two sides signed many agreements and an MoU for economic and technical cooperation, development of hydel power plants, establishment of power transmission lines, rapid development of Saindak and undertaking joint research for development of science and technology.
President Musharraf and President Jiang were present during the signing ceremony.
Earlier, a warm and enthusiastic welcome was accorded to President Musharraf when he arrived here on a five-day state visit to China.
The president was warmly received by his Chinese counterpart at the Great Hall. At the formal welcome ceremony, national anthems of both countries were played. A contingent of Chinese armed forces, drawn from three services, presented him a guard of honour. The president took salute and inspected the parade.
The president also attended a banquet hosted in his honour by the Chinese president.
President Musharraf is scheduled to meet scholars and newspapers editors on Friday at breakfast. He would also hold a meeting with Chinese Prime Minister Zhu Rongji.
SHAUKAT AZIZ: Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz said the total aid package, extended to Pakistan by the Chinese government, was about worth $350 million, both in terms of grant and loan.
The package, he added, would be utilized in completion of ongoing projects undertaken with the Chinese assistance in various parts of the country.
The Chinese government has also offered to convert the short- term loans into medium-term loans to facilitate Pakistan for repayment.—Agencies