On March 25, 2003, Chairman Jiang Zemin of
China's Central Military Commission met with visiting
Pakistan Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali in
Zhongnanhai.
Jiang welcomed Jamali and said
Pakistan is one of the south Asian nations that have the
closest relations with China. People of the two countries
have had contact with each other for over a thousand years.
He noted that the bilateral relations have withstood the
test of time since the two countries established diplomatic
relations 52 year ago, fully demonstrating the profoundness
of bilateral friendship, adding that China regards Pakistan
as an earnest and reliable friend and
brother.
He said China will adhere to the
principle of "friendship and partnership with
neighbors" set forth in the 16th CPC National Congress
so as to develop friendly exchanges and cooperation with
neighboring countries. China has just elected a new
government, but the country will maintain continuity and
stability in its development strategy and foreign policy.
To develop the all-round cooperative partnership
with Pakistan remained an important part of China's foreign
policy of good neighborliness and friendship. Jiang believed
the new leadership of China will enhance bilateral ties
along with Pakistan so as to ensure friendship for
generations to come.
Jamali said during his
China visit he had seen great changes brought about by the
reform and opening-up policy. He said that China's
socio-economic development is a great contribution to the
world, especially to developing countries, adding that
Pakistan is proud to have such a neighbor. Relations between
China and all south Asian countries are built on the
foundation of equality and mutual benefit. Pakistan values
China's positive role in international and regional affairs
and the Pakistan government will continue to unswervingly
develop all-round cooperative relations with China.
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