Pakistan won’t be left in the lurch - China

ISLAMABAD: The chief of the Chinese apex political advisory body declared on Thursday that Pakistan would never be left in the lurch and the strategic cooperation between the two countries would be taken to new heights. No matter how the global situation may change, the resolve and determination of the government and the people of China in developing its friendly relations with Pakistan will never be swayed, Chinese People`s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) chairman Jia Qinglin said at a reception held in honour of Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani and his delegation.

The reception was hosted by the Chinese People`s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and Pakistan`s embassy in China to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of Sino-Pakistan diplomatic relations.Jia said China had always given priority to developing cooperation with Pakistan.

He said Pakistan and China were true friends that had a history of rendering sincere assistance to each other in difficult times. The Chinese people will never forget that it was Pakistan which provided an air corridor to China, giving access to the rest of the world, when China was under external blockade in the 1950s and 1960s. And it was Pakistan and other developing countries that stood up for justice and worked through various channels to make important contributions for China`s permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council.

He said the government and people of China felt the pain for Pakistani people. China also made all out efforts to help out Pakistan when it faced temporary difficulties, he said. So, such friendship in the face of difficulties has become a valuable asset shared by both China and Pakistan. The friendship between the two countries has taken a deep root in the hearts of the people of the two countries and we are fully convinced that with the joint effort of the two countries and their people the friendship will pass from generation to generation and enjoy inexhaustible vitality and vigour.

He said the strategic partnership and cooperation between the two countries was at a new historical starting point now. Jia said that stronger cooperation between the two countries had not only served fundamental interests of the peoples of two countries, but had also regional and global peace. Prime Minister Gilani said: We will march forward hand-in-hand to take our partnership to new heights and to ensure for generations a glorious future of peace and prosperity.

He said friendship with China was the cornerstone of Pakistan`s foreign policy.In recent times, the leadership of the two countries has taken steps to enhance cooperation, especially in defence, technology and trade. He said Pakistan was not fighting the war on terror for its own benefit only but for the world, and had paid a heavy price for it. The Dawn