Landmark buildings in Islamabad symbolise deep Pak-China friendship: PM       
BEIJING, Dec 16 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that in the federal capital there are landmark buildings, which reflect the deep rooted friendship between Pakistan and China.In an interview ahead of Premier Wen Jiabao visit to Pakistan starting from Friday (tomorrow) Prime Minister Gilani mentioned Zhou Enlai Avenue, Jinnah Sports Complex and the newly-built Pakistan-China Friendship Centre as symbols of all weather friendship.“They are the symbols of the unity and bond between China and Pakistan and will always be remembered,” Gilani remarked.
He said that his country is looking forward to the arrival of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, who will visit Pakistan from Dec. 17 to 19 at his invitation.
“We are anxiously waiting for his visit, and it’s not only about government-to-government contacts with China, it’s also people-to-people contacts,” Gilani said in an interview with Xinhua in Islamabad.
During his three-day official visit to Pakistan, Wen will meet with President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Gilani to discuss a wide range of topics.
Prime Minister Gilani said Wen’s visit will focus on the strategic partnership, economic and trade cooperation and people-to-people contacts.
He further said that his father visited China in 1956 and met with Chairman Mao Zedong and Premier Zhou Enlai, and he himself had visited China many times.
The prime minister said Pakistan is grateful to China for its prompt assistance to the flood-hit people in Pakistan.
In the aftermath of the unprecedented flooding in Pakistan in July, China pledged 250 million U.S. dollars in aid, besides sending three medical teams and a helicopter rescue team.
The year 2011 will mark the 60th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the two neighbours.
“Pakistan has declared it as the Pakistan-China Friendship Year, during which a number of events will be organized,”  said the prime minister.