Foreign Correspondence

[Amaunet]

China-Pakistan relations enter a new phase

By B. Muralidhar Reddy




ISLAMABAD, APRIL 6. The Pakistan President, Pervez Musharraf, and the visiting Chinese Premier, Wen Jiabao, on Wednesday said that with the signing of new pacts, particularly the Friendship Treaty, relations between their countries have entered a "new qualitative stage."

The two leaders, who met at the Presidential House here this afternoon, said that their multi-faceted ties would not only be mutually beneficial but also contribute to regional stability. Diplomatic and political observers here are of the view that though there is no dramatic element in the Treaty of Friendship signed by Beijing and Islamabad on Tuesday, the document for the first time, defines the contours of the five-decade-old relationship between the two countries.

During the meeting, they also exchanged views on regional and international issues and said they would continue to share and coordinate their views at political and diplomatic levels.

Strategic dialogue


Under the "Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Good-Neighbourly Relations" both sides are committed to maintain a regular high-level strategic dialogue. It noted that both sides should adhere to the principle of non-encroachment on national territories and boundaries and strictly observe the boundary agreements between the two. They resolved to maintain lasting peace and friendship in their border areas. The Pakistani side reiterated that there is but one China in the world and Taiwan is its inalienable part and supported Beijing's "great cause of national reunification." The Chinese side reiterated its respect for Pakistan's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and appreciated and supported its efforts to settle peacefully all the problems with its neighbouring countries.

Military cooperation


It said both sides should enhance and consolidate trust and cooperation in the military and security fields to strengthen their security. It said they should enhance their cooperation in the United Nations and other international and regional organisations.

Gen. Musharraf, in his meeting with Mr. Wen, described the treaty as a step forward from the historic declaration signed in Beijing in 2003.

He particularly referred to economic and defence cooperation between the two countries and said Chinese assistance in the construction of Gwadar deep-sea port and other development projects is a testimony to Beijing's commitment to the region's economic progress.


http://www.hindu.com/2005/04/07/stories/2005040707161400.htm