Thaindian News

ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN (BNO NEWS) — China and Pakistan on Friday vowed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in diverse areas including trade, energy, education, culture and technology, Ary News television reported.

Pakistani Prime Minsiter Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani met with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Friday and exchanged views on regional and international issues which are of interest to both nations. Wen is on a three-day official visit to Pakistan at Gilani’s invitation.

“The purpose of my visit this time is to solidify friendship, deepen cooperation, support Pakistan’s efforts of post-disaster reconstruction, and ring in, together with Pakistan, the 60th anniversary of China-Pakistan diplomatic relations in 2011,” said Wen after arriving to Islamabad.

The meeting focused on establishing an economic partnership that benefits both countries. In addition, Gilani and Wen agreed on developing wider cooperation on regional and international affairs, including agriculture, energy, finance and banking, and science and technology.

Premier Wen also recognized the importance of Pakistan in the region and remarked its positive contributions to peace, stability and development of the zone and the world. China’s Wen said it will continue to support the Pakistani people and the post-flood reconstruction.

China recently pledged a total of US$250 million to Pakistan after the floods hit Pakistan in July and August. Prime Minister Gilani said that China is a ‘trusted partner, good neighbor and close friend’ to the Pakistanis.

The two officials also discussed increased exchanges in education and culture such as sending Pakistani students to China to study nanotechnology, biotechnology, advanced chemistry and physics.

Premier Wen previously visited India as part of his two-nation South Asia trip. Pakistan is the second stop on Wen’s tour aimed at strengthening cooperation and relations.