Beijing : During a meeting with Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani here Wednesday, Chinese Premier Wen Jibao said he had taken up the matter with US officials during a recent strategic and economic dialogue in Washington, adding that the Americans had acknowledged Pakistan’s contributions to the war on terror and assured him that their country would take steps to improve relations with Pakistan.
Mr Jibao said that regardless of changes that might take place in the international landscape, China and Pakistan would remain forever good neighbours and good partners.
Pakistan and China signed three agreements on economic and technological cooperation, banking and mining.
Talking to reporters after the meeting, Prime Minister Gilani said Pakistan and China had agreed to bolster defence ties. China promised to help enhance the capacity of Pakistan’s three armed forces.
In the context of the unilateral US operation in which Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden was killed, Mr Jibao categorically stated that his country supported Pakistan’s stance and would help it in implementing whatever strategy it adopted to combat terrorism.
The two sides agreed to continue cooperation for peace in the region.
The Chinese premier praised Mr Gilani’s decision to accept India’s invitation to watch the cricket world cup semifinal in
Mohali and said it would help improve relations between the two neighbours.
The two countries agreed to continue their consultations on the Afghan issue. They agreed to support each other on international forums and continue consultations on UN Security Council reforms.
