Li in vow to strengthen relations with Pakistan
Source: Agencies |
May 23, 2013, Thursday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang vowed to strengthen his country's partnership with Pakistan as he arrived in Islamabad yesterday for a two-day state visit.
Li arrived in the Pakistan capital under extra-tight security after his visit to India.
The premier's plane was escorted by six fighter jets as it entered Pakistani air space. Security measures also included shutting down mobile phone networks briefly across the city.
"The purpose of the visit is to devise a strategy to bolster future cooperation and friendship," Li said in a statement. "We will strengthen a strategic partnership with Pakistan in whatever the international scenario and circumstances are."
In a speech before a lunch in Li's honor, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari said: "Friendship with China is a cornerstone of our foreign policy."
At the lunch, also attended by Prime Minister-elect Nawaz Sharif, Li said that China and Pakistan should remain "trustworthy partners."
He said there was still "great potential" for the relationship.
Bilateral trade last year rose above US$12 billion for the first time and both sides are aiming to reach US$15 billion in the next two or three years.
"Our two sides should focus on carrying out priority projects in connectivity, energy development and power generation and promoting the building of a China-Pakistan economic corridor," Li said.
He said China's desire to boost domestic demand and develop its western region would benefit Pakistan as it seeks to restart its foundering economy.
"Both sides are of the view that by connecting China's development and Pakistan's development, we can create a joint economic corridor linking the central and western parts of China and Pakistan," he said.
"This vision, once realized, will have great strategic significance for the development of China, South Asia, Asia and of peace and stability in the region and the improved lives of people in our region."
The two countries signed a series of cooperation documents covering the economy, culture, and science and technology.
There are an estimated 10,000 Chinese people and more than 120 Chinese companies in Pakistan, many working on infrastructure and energy projects. China has built two nuclear power plants in the country and is contracted to construct two more reactors.
In February, China took control of Pakistan's port of Gwadar, which through an expanded Karakoram Highway could connect China to the Arabian Sea and the Strait of Hormuz, a gateway for a third of the world's traded oil.
After Pakistan, Li will visit Switzerland, with which China is negotiating a free trade agreement, and Germany, its largest European trading partner.
Li arrived in the Pakistan capital under extra-tight security after his visit to India.
The premier's plane was escorted by six fighter jets as it entered Pakistani air space. Security measures also included shutting down mobile phone networks briefly across the city.
"The purpose of the visit is to devise a strategy to bolster future cooperation and friendship," Li said in a statement. "We will strengthen a strategic partnership with Pakistan in whatever the international scenario and circumstances are."
In a speech before a lunch in Li's honor, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari said: "Friendship with China is a cornerstone of our foreign policy."
At the lunch, also attended by Prime Minister-elect Nawaz Sharif, Li said that China and Pakistan should remain "trustworthy partners."
He said there was still "great potential" for the relationship.
Bilateral trade last year rose above US$12 billion for the first time and both sides are aiming to reach US$15 billion in the next two or three years.
"Our two sides should focus on carrying out priority projects in connectivity, energy development and power generation and promoting the building of a China-Pakistan economic corridor," Li said.
He said China's desire to boost domestic demand and develop its western region would benefit Pakistan as it seeks to restart its foundering economy.
"Both sides are of the view that by connecting China's development and Pakistan's development, we can create a joint economic corridor linking the central and western parts of China and Pakistan," he said.
"This vision, once realized, will have great strategic significance for the development of China, South Asia, Asia and of peace and stability in the region and the improved lives of people in our region."
The two countries signed a series of cooperation documents covering the economy, culture, and science and technology.
There are an estimated 10,000 Chinese people and more than 120 Chinese companies in Pakistan, many working on infrastructure and energy projects. China has built two nuclear power plants in the country and is contracted to construct two more reactors.
In February, China took control of Pakistan's port of Gwadar, which through an expanded Karakoram Highway could connect China to the Arabian Sea and the Strait of Hormuz, a gateway for a third of the world's traded oil.
After Pakistan, Li will visit Switzerland, with which China is negotiating a free trade agreement, and Germany, its largest European trading partner.
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