Pending Pakistani leader Pervez Musharaf's China tour next week, China reemphasized Janury 13 the importance of Sino-Pakistani relationship.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhu Bangzao said at January 13's press conference that China and Pakistan have always been friendly neighbors.

"We are willing to maintain and develop the friendly cooperation with Pakistan in various fields," he stressed.

When asked about China's comments on the fate of former Premier Nawaz Sharif, Zhu said that it is the internal affairs of Pakistan and "we believe that Pakistan will properly handle the matter."