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Premier Zhu's Visit to Pakistan Is Landmark Event: General Musharraf
Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji's visit to Pakistan will be a landmark event in the history of Pakistan's relations with China, said Pakistani Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf in an exclusive interview with Xinhua on the eve of Zhu's visit that is expected to begin on Friday.
Regarding the visit as marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Pakistan and China and the first visit at top level in the new century, General Musharraf said, "I am confident that it will send out a strong signal to everyone of the continuing strength and durability of multifaceted and multidimensional relationship between Pakistan and China which has a positive impact on the peace and stability of South Asia."
General Musharraf said, "Our two countries have developed a comprehensive partnership in all fields during the last 50 years for the mutual benefit of our two peoples. This partnership is also in the interest of peace and stability of South Asia and the wider Asia-Pacific region."
He added that relations between Pakistan and China have remained unaffected by radical changes in the international environment.
He stressed, "Our relations are based on complete trust and understanding and respect for the five principles of peaceful coexistence and the U.N. Charter. Both Pakistan and China remained committed to these principles and have been working together to contribute to the regional peace and stability."
He said, "Both Pakistan and China want to focus on the economic progress and prosperity of their peoples. We have been cooperating in the international fora and consulted each other closely on global and regional issues of mutual concern. In the changing geo-political and strategic environment, strong partnership between Pakistan and China will have a salutary effect on regional and global peace."
General Musharraf expressed the confidence that the partnership between Pakistan and China will continue to gain in strength in the 21st century.
Scientific Cooperation Musharraf has said that his country would like to increase cooperation in science and technology with China.
General Musharaf said, "Pakistan has a very active program of cooperation in science and technology with China. The Agreement on Scientific and Technical Cooperation between the two countries was signed in May 1976 in Beijing. So this year we are not only celebrating the Golden Jubilee of our diplomatic relations, but also the Silver Jubilee of the S&T Cooperation between the two countries."
"Our cooperation covers all fields of science and technology including the peaceful use of nuclear technology such as in agriculture and medicine and space technology such as Geographical Information System or GIS. The Chashma Power Plant is a shining example of S&T cooperation between the two countries," he added.
General Musharraf said, "one field where we can increase our cooperation manifold to our mutual advantage is information technology. In this field we have complementary capabilities. We have a large pool of software developers who are proficient in English, the major language of software, while China has the requisite infrastructure and connectivity."
"We would like to involve the private sector more actively in this cooperation," General Musharraf said. "Involvement of the private sector in establishing joint ventures with Chinese firms is essential for reaping the full benefits of S&T cooperation between the two countries."
General Musharraf believed that such joint ventures would be of benefit to both partners. The Chinese partner would have the advantage of establishing a production base at the gateway to the Middle East market, whereas the Pakistani partner would be able to introduce quality products to the local market.
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