Li's visit opens new chapter in China-Pakistan ties
Updated: 2013-05-24 10:34
(Xinhua)
|
||||||||
ISLAMABAD - Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Thursday wrapped up his first official visit to Pakistan since he took office in March, which analysts said has opened a new chapter in bilateral relations between the two all-weather partners.
New impetus between old friends
Li's trip to Pakistan is aimed at working with the time-tested friend to "open a new chapter in bilateral ties, chart a new course for practical cooperation and thus lift their traditional friendship to a new height," the Chinese premier said when he met with Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday.
Hu Shisheng, a researcher at China Institute of Contemporary International Relations, said the inclusion of Pakistan in Li's first overseas trip shows the great importance the Chinese new leadership attaches to the traditional relations with Pakistan.
"China has always given priority to the ties with Pakistan," Li said during his talks with Zardari.
The visit took place at a special moment when Pakistan just held its general elections on May 11 and a new government is yet to be formed.
The Pakistani side gave an exceptionally warm welcome to Li, reflecting the "all-weather" nature of bilateral ties and Pakistan's special friendship toward China, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
Both Zardari and Parkistan's interim Prime Minister Mir Hazar Khan Khoso went to the Islamabad airbase to receive Li upon his arrival on Wednesday, which is rare in the history of international relations.
During Li's visit, Zardari conferred on Li the country's highest award Nishan-e-Pakistan, which Li said not only represents a personal honor, but also embodies the special friendly feelings the Pakistani people have toward the Chinese people.
Li said the all-weather cooperative friendship between China and Pakistan not only boasts a solid foundation but also enjoys great prospects.
Li and Nawaz Sharif, fomer Pakistani prime minister expected to return to power for a third time, agreed on Thursday to strengthen the comprehensive strategic cooperation in areas like economy and trade.
Describing China as Pakistan's "closest and the most dependable friend," Sharif said "the friendly foreign policy toward China has been the common aspiration of all Pakistani people, and Pakistan regards it as a priority no matter which party takes power."
New pattern of pragmatic cooperation
During Li's trip in Pakistan, the two sides reached the consensus to create a new pattern of their strategic cooperation.
China and Pakistan issued a joint statement on deepening comprehensive strategic cooperation, which highlighted eight areas with some new fields like interconnectivity, maritime cooperation, aviation and aerospace.
- Michelle lays roses at site along Berlin Wall
- Historic space lecture in Tiangong-1 commences
- 'Sopranos' Star James Gandolfini dead at 51
- UN: Number of refugees hits 18-year high
- Slide: Jet exercises from aircraft carrier
- Talks establish fishery hotline
- Foreign buyers eye Chinese drones
- UN chief hails China's peacekeepers
Most Viewed
Editor's Picks
Pumping up power of consumption |
From China with love and care |
From the classroom to the boardroom |
Schools open overseas campus |
Domestic power of new energy |
Clearing the air |
Today's Top News
Shenzhou X astronaut gives lecture today
US told to reassess duties on Chinese paper
Chinese seek greater share of satellite market
Russia rejects Obama's nuke cut proposal
US immigration bill sees Senate breakthrough
Brazilian cities revoke fare hikes
Moody's warns on China's local govt debt
Air quality in major cities drops in May
US Weekly
Geared to go |
The place to be |