Gilani, Hu agree to take Pak-China strategic partnership to new heights
By Shahid Saleem Khan
BEIJING, May 20 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani and Chinese President Hu Jintao on Friday agreed to further strengthen their historic relationship and take their strategic partnership to new heights. The two leaders in a meeting held here at Great Hall of the People held a detailed discussion on bilateral ties as well as other matters of mutual interest, including regional situation. After the meeting which continued for one hour, President Hu acknowledged Pakistan’s outstanding contribution in combating terrorism and said that the international community should respect its sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence, Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir told APP.
He said President Hu also called upon the international community to help Pakistan in its endeavours to combat extremism and terrorism.
President Hu said that Pakistan was an important country in the region and had a unique role in promoting reconciliation and development in Afghanistan.
Prime Minister Gilani thanked the Chinese leader for his country’s support to Pakistan for its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity after the recent Abbottabad incident.
Congratulating Prime Minister Gilani on his successful visit to China, President Hu said, “it will open a new chapter of cooperation” between the two friendly countries. 
The two leaders also discussed ways and means to further strengthen the relationship and cooperation between Pakistan and China in diverse fields, with focus on financing of infrastructure, energy and agricultural projects in Pakistan.
Chinese President Hu noted that Prime Minister Gilani and Premier Wen Jiabao held “very productive” talks as the two sides also signed new cooperation documents.
He said that Prime Minister Gilani’s visit was important as it coincided with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Pakistan and China and also with the Pak-China Friendship Year.
President Hu hoped that Gilani’s visit would further boost the already existing close and warm relations.
He appreciated the contributions made by Prime Minister Gilani and his father over a period of several years in fortifying the Pak-China friendship.
Prime Minister Gilani said it was always an honour and a moment of pride for the Pakistanis whenever they interacted with their Chinese brethren.
He also thanked the Chinese government for the hospitality extended to him and his delegation.
The Prime Minister also congratulated the Chinese President on the 60th anniversary of the establishment of Pak-China diplomatic ties and said the two sides were celebrating this momentous occasion with a renewed pledge to take their strategic partnership to new heights.   
Minister for Defence Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar, Law Minister Maula Bakhsh Chandio, members of Parliament, Secretary Foreign Affairs Salman Bashir and Pakistan’s Ambassador to China Masood Khan were also present in the meeting.
Earlier upon arrival at the Great Hall of the People, Prime Minister Gilani was warmly received by President Hu Jintao. Gilani introduced the members of delegation including Defence and Law ministers, members of Parliament and senior government officials.