China says its ties with Pakistan maintain ‘robust development’

China said its “all-weather” ties with Pakistan remain strong and steadily growing as President Asif Ali Zardari visits China. Both sides aim to deepen economic cooperation and strengthen their long-standing strategic partnership during diplomatic talks marking 75 years of ties

Beijing: China on Monday said its all-weather ties with Pakistan maintained “sound momentum and robust development” this year as it welcomed Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari’s current visit to the country.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told a media briefing here. “Bilateral relations maintain a sound momentum of robust development,” he said.

Zardari is currently visiting Hunan and Hainan provinces in China. He arrived in China on Sunday on a week-long visit during which he will hold bilateral talks with the Chinese leadership, with a special focus on economic and trade cooperation.

China stands ready to work together with Pakistan to deepen friendly exchanges and cooperation at all levels and between different localities to build an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future, Lin said.