President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday said Pakistan-China friendship is rooted in the ethos of the people and will continue to gain strength in the days to come, APP reported. The President was talking to Vice Foreign Minister and Special Envoy of the Chinese government, Wu Dawei, who called on him here at the Aiwan-e-Sadr. Wu Dawei is visiting Pakistan to hold discussions with Pakistan side on promoting bilateral cooperation and to discuss regional and global issues. Welcoming the Special Envoy, the President said that he was looking forward to his forthcoming visit to China which will be his first bilateral visit abroad. He said that Pakistan-China relations are time-tested and this all-weather friendship has developed into a comprehensive strategic partnership. The President recalled the contributions of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed in nurturing and strengthening these ties. President Zardari said that Pakistan and China have a comprehensive framework for bilateral economic cooperation in the form of a Five-Year Economic Cooperation Programme, a Joint Investment Company etc. Both countries have more than 200 agreements between them, he said and added this provides a solid foundation to take our economic cooperation forward. The President thanked China for its assistance for the mega projects in Pakistan. President Zardari said he was looking forward to his forthcoming visit and to his discussions with the Chinese leadership where he will discuss specific ideas for bilateral economic collaboration between the two countries. The Vice Foreign Minister of China said the Chinese leadership was looking forward to welcome President Zardari in China. Wu Dawei said that Pakistan and China are all-weather friends. This friendship has become very strong and withstood the changes in regional and global environment, he added. The Special Envoy said that China will continue to assist Pakistan in its development efforts. He reaffirmed China's support to Pakistan's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. He also thanked Pakistan for its support on issues of Tibet and Taiwan.
