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Sound Pakistan-China ties hailed
By Su Qiang (China Daily)
Updated: 2006-03-13 05:33
ISLAMABAD: The "all-weather relations" between China and Pakistan were
strengthened on Saturday as Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz vowed to
expand and deepen bilateral co-operation in all aspects.
"China-Pakistan diplomacy covers the economy, defence, security, education,
social, and culture sectors," Aziz said.
"We have this multifaceted relationship, which is based on the premise of
mutual advantages and a sense of sharing." He made the comments during a meeting
with a visiting Chinese media delegation at PM House in Islamabad.
Since Pakistan became independent in 1947, China has always been a great
strategic friend of Pakistan.
He defined the term as somebody whom you discussed main issues with and whom
you shared an opinion with. "This long-term strategic relationship has been
driven by shared objectives, shared values and a desire for peace and
prosperity," the prime minister said.
The prime minister said that there were several thousands of Chinese working
in Pakistan on many projects, which includes the building of Gwadar Deep Sea
Port and raising Mangla Dam.
Aziz also called for more energy co-operation, suggesting that China
considers building direct pipelines from the coast in Karachi or Gwadar to
western China, rather than going through the straits of Malacca.
The shorter route will ensure a stable and fast supply of oil and gas to
China's growing economy, he added.
As for the reform of the United Nations Security Council, Aziz said that
Pakistan is against the expansion of permanent members in the council.
"The big five should be maintained. What is really needed in the United
Nations is quality and an equal voice. If you have more permanent members, you
create another class, which we are against," said Aziz, adding that rotating
members would be a better way to improve the system.
He also stressed that diplomacy is the only option to resolve the Iran
nuclear issue, saying that Iran should not build nuclear weapons, but should
have the right to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.
"Diplomacy, diplomacy and diplomacy is the only way. Any military action will
cause a severe backlash to the whole world. Any sanctions could result in oil
reaching a hundred dollars a barrel. That would be devastating to the global
economy," he said.
On the nuclear deal signed between India and the United States during George
W. Bush's recent visit to New Delhi, he said the deal violated the
Non-proliferation Treaty, and Pakistan was strongly against it.
(China Daily 03/13/2006 page2)
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