Peace and Development in South Asia Vital to World Prosperity: Chinese PremierVisiting Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji said in Islamabad on Friday that peace and development in the South Asian region were vitally linked with the stability and prosperity of Asia and the world at large.In his speech at a dinner held by Pakistani Chief Executive Musharraf, Zhu said that South Asia was an important component not only of Asia, but also of the whole world. As a close neighbor to South Asia, "China cares about the situation in the region and sincerely hopes that it will be able to maintain peace and stability and that countries in the subcontinent can live together in peace ... and work in concert for a secure, harmonious and economically developing South Asia." He further explained that "this not only conforms to the common aspiration and fundamental interests of all peoples in the region, but also is beneficial to peace and stability in Asia and the world at large." He promised the Chinese side was "ready to work together with all countries in South Asia including Pakistan and contribute our due share to realizing this goal." On bilateral relations, Zhu said that over the past 50 years, China and Pakistan have had mutual understanding and support on a number of major international issues. Pakistan has always spoken up for China at international forums, firmly supporting China's efforts to safeguard national unity and territorial integrity and upholding justice and dignity in the cause of international human rights. In the new century, China and Pakistan should continue to step up their cooperation, safeguard the solidarity and interests of the developing countries in a common endeavor to promote the establishment of a just and rational new international political and economic order, Zhu added. Speaking at the dinner, Musharraf extended his warm welcome to Zhu, his wife Lao An and all other Chinese guests on the historic occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, describing Zhu's visit a landmark in the history of Pak-China traditional friendship.. Musharraf said, "our two countries hold similar views on regional and international issues; we are opposed to international or regional hegemony and we cooperate with each other closely in international fora." "We share the international concern at the development and deployment of ballistic missile defense which could jeopardize strategic stability, trigger a new arms race and undermine international efforts aimed at arms control and disarmament," added Musharraf. Musharraf concluded his speech by saying that "we will work together with our Chinese friends in pursuit of our shared goals and further strengthen this model bilateral relationship," which remained "a vital element for the peace and stability of South Asia and beyond." Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji arrived in Islamabad on Friday noon, kicking off a four-day official visit to Pakistan. |
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