On December 17, 2010, Premier of the State Council Wen Jiabao held large and small-scale talks with Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani in Islamabad. The two leaders exchanged in-depth opinions in a sincere and friendly manner on the bilateral relations, regional situation and major international issues and reached wide consensus.
Wen said the Chinese and Pakistani people enjoy a profound friendship and the bilateral relations stand on a solid foundation. China and Pakistan were, are and will forever be good neighbors, good friends, good partners and good brothers. China highly appreciates Pakistan’s long-term strong support for China’s core interests and major concerns and will, as always, support Pakistan’s efforts of maintaining national sovereignty and social stability and achieving economic independence and sustainable development.
He pointed out the international and regional situations at present remain complicated. As all-weathered strategic partners, China and Pakistan should communicate and cooperate closely and cope with challenges jointly. China expects to establish an annual meeting mechanism of national leaders and a regular dialogue mechanism of foreign ministers with Pakistan with the purpose of exchanging opinions on major issues in a timely manner and strengthening coordination in such important international organizations as the United Nations. Pakistan has made huge sacrifice for and outstanding contributions to the international fight against terrorism. China hopes to work with Pakistan to promote regional peace and stability.
He noted China-Pakistan pragmatic cooperation is a key part of the bilateral strategic partnership and enjoys promising prospects. China expects to take concerted actions with Pakistan to bring more benefits to their people. He suggested:
First, to take Pakistan’s post-disaster reconstruction as the most pressing task of bilateral pragmatic cooperation. China will, as needed by Pakistan, undertake the project of restoring the national road network in the disaster-hit region, provide help in food production, processing and storage and take an active part in the Pakistani government’s compensation plan for the victims of the disaster.
Second, to push forward cooperation in infrastructure construction. The two sides should step up coordination to ensure the large projects which have been decided are completed as scheduled and bring the benefits as designed, build the energy cooperation mechanism and strengthen the overall planning. China encourages domestic businesses to actively participate in Pakistan’s economic construction for which it is willing to provide financing support.
Third, to expand cooperation in trade, investment and finance. Pakistani businesses are welcomed to make best use of the preferential measures defined in the bilateral free trade agreement to increase exports to China. China will take active measures to help the Pakistani businesses explore the Chinese market, agrees to conduct currency swap with Pakistan and encourages Chinese banks to open branches in Pakistan and vice versa in order to effectively support the sustainable development of bilateral trade and economic relations.
Wen proposed to make next year the “Year of China-Pakistan Friendship”, hold joint celebrations on the 60th anniversary of China-Pakistan diplomatic ties, enhance personnel exchanges in all fields and increase the mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples. The exchange of visits between youth of both countries should be expanded gradually. Training of young cadres, exchange activities of young entrepreneurs and cooperation in young volunteer services should be cemented. More Pakistani youth are welcomed to study in China.
Gilani said China is the best and most reliable friend of Pakistan which sincerely appreciates China’s valuable support and selfless assistance. Premier Wen’s visit to Pakistan is another landmark in the history of bilateral relations and opens the prelude of celebrations on the 60th anniversary of Pakistan-China diplomatic ties. He totally agrees on Wen’s proposals about further developing the bilateral relations and expressed willingness of strengthening the high-level contacts and strategic cooperation, comprehensively deepening and broadening the pragmatic cooperation, reinforcing the cultural exchanges and passing on Pakistan-China friendship from generation to generation. With the joint efforts of both sides, Pakistan-China all-weathered strategic partnership will reach a higher level.
Following the talks, the two prime ministers witnessed together the signing of bilateral cooperation documents on economy, technology, energy, finance and culture.
On the same day, Wen also met with Chinese embassy staff and representatives of local Chinese-funded organizations, overseas Chinese and Chinese students.