Thaindian News

Islamabad, Aug 24 (IANS) Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar, who is on a visit to Beijing, has said Pakistan and China enjoy a unique relationship and dialogue was an ongoing process between the two countries.

Talking to mediapersons on arrival in Beijing, Khar said the leadership of both countries had invested immensely for the enhancement of existing strong bonds of friendship.

Khar arrived late Tuesday evening on a two-day visit at the invitation of her Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi.

She said President Asif Ali Zardari was carrying forward the ties to new heights by frequently visiting China, reported Associated Press of Pakistan.

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani also paid several visits, she added.

She pointed out that Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao’s visit to Pakistan in December last year was historic as it helped in further enhancing the bilateral relations.

The foreign minister said the visit of Premier Wen played an important role in further deepening the the strong relationship.

Khar said: “The relationship strongly exists among peoples and governments of two countries and now we want to commensurate these ties with trade, economic and investment cooperation.”

The foreign minister said China is one of the countries with which Pakistan has signed Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

She said the existing strong bonds of friendship between Pakistan and China was multi-faceted and covered all areas including defence, economic and trade ties.

“We have strategic and robust relations with China,” she said.

At the Beijing Capital International Airport, Khar was received by Ambassador Masood Khan, senior diplomats from Pakistan Embassy and officials from the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Earlier, talking to APP, Ambassador Masood Khan said that “this is a very important visit coming at a time when Pakistan and China enjoy enviable solidarity in all areas”.

Khan pointed out that “the foreign minister’s visit will help us consolidate our strong ties and steer them towards even deeper strategic and political engagement and more productive economic cooperation”.

“It will be a meeting between time-tested and trusted friends and partners,” Khan said, adding: “Naturally, regional and international situation will be reviewed by the two sides.”

Symbolically too, Khan said, the visit is important because this will be Khar’s first visit to China after assuming office.