Hu Jin Tao in Pak

Society Pakistan & World Affairs
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The much anticipated visit of the Chinese President Hu Jin Tao began last evening as the President landed at Chalala. In the highest traditions of the Pak-China relationship, he was given the warmest state welcome as the Capital was decorated and full of festivities. To receive him were present all 3 military chiefs (VCOAS Gen Ahsan Saleem for the Army), the President Gen Musharraf and PM Shaukat Aziz.
The Chinese President was then greeted by a smart guard of honour from all three services and national anthems of both nations were played after which the cabinet was introduced to the esteemed guest.

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Hu arrives to warm welcome**
http://dawn.com/2006/11/24/top5.htm

ISLAMABAD, Nov 23: Chinese President Hu Jintao arrived here on Thursday evening to a warm, vibrant and colourful welcome on his first visit to Pakistan heralding a new era in bilateral relations.

This is the first visit by a Chinese president to Pakistan in 10 years and it marks the high point in the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

On arrival at the Chaklala Airbase, President Hu was greeted by President Gen Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz amid much fanfare and festivity.

President Hu was given the ceremonial guard of honour with a 21-gun salute when he arrived to a red carpet welcome. In his statement on the occasion, President Hu said his visit was aimed at deepening Sino-Pakistan friendship and cooperation.

He will hold formal talks with President Musharraf on Friday morning which will be followed by signing of several agreements. The two presidents will later hold a joint press conference.

President Hu will meet Prime Minister Aziz later in the day.

Also on Chinese president’s agenda is his address to the people of Pakistan from the Convention Centre.

On Saturday, he will proceed to Lahore.

“The visit would help further strengthen the relations and set out a clear trajectory for cooperation between the two countries in the 21st century,” Foreign Office Spokesperson Tasnim Aslam said ahead of the Chinese leader’s arrival.

Red carpet rolled out

ISLAMABAD: A very warm welcome was accorded to Chinese President Hu Jintao on Thursday as he began his four-day official visit to Pakistan to further deepen the “all-weather” relations the two countries enjoy.

Red carpet was rolled out as President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz along with their spouses greeted the distinguished guest at the Chaklala airbase. “I am visiting Pakistan to deepen friendship, expand cooperation and plan for the future of our relationship,” President Hu Jintao said in an arrival statement.

A 21-gun salute boomed as the Chinese president alighted from the special Air China 747-400 plane. President Hu was presented bouquets by two children attired in national dress.

President Musharraf and Prime Minister Aziz escorted the Chinese president to the dais. National anthems of the two countries were played and a contingent drawn from the Army, Navy and Air Force presented salute to the distinguished guest. The Chinese president inspected the guard of honour.

President Hu was introduced to a long reception line comprising Services chiefs, President PML Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, Speaker National Assembly Chaudhry Amir Hussain, federal ministers, diplomats, and staff of the Chinese embassy.

Students attired in maroon coats and white trousers and young girls attired in traditional dresses from across the country waved flags and the Chinese working in various development projects in Pakistan cheered as President Hu, President Musharraf and Prime Minister Aziz walked by them.

Hundreds of young schoolchildren, carrying flags of Pakistan and China, waved and chanted slogans of “Long live Pak-China friendship”. Folk dancers accompanied by traditional dancing horses greeted the visitors along the route.

The airport building was decorated with flags of the two countries and huge banners in Chinese language — “Our hearts beat in unison” along with portraits of President Hu, President Musharraf and Prime Minister Aziz.

The entire route from airport to the Aiwan-e-Sadr was adorned with the flags of two countries and welcome banners in Urdu, English and Chinese languages. A large number of people, gathered at different points across the route, showered flower petals on the motorcade besides a fireworks display near the Aiwan-e-Sadr.

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The most valuable friendship to be strengthened further :k:

http://dawn.com/2006/11/24/top2.htm
**Pakistan, China vow to expand strategic ties

**ISLAMABAD, Nov 23: President Gen Pervez Musharraf and President Hu Jintao have pledged to build on the robust and time-tested Pakistan-China friendship and expand the strategic partnership.

At a banquet President Musharraf hosted at the Aiwan-i-Sadr in the honour of President Hu, who had arrived earlier on Thursday, the two leaders described Pakistan-China ties as an example of good neighbourly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation.

“Friendly ties between Pakistan and China is a shining example of good neighbourly relations. Our friendship has remained constant and unchanged regardless of the transformed global circumstances,” Gen Musharraf said.

He said a strong trust in each other formed the bedrock of bilateral relations which the two countries had nurtured with care and devotion.

Mr Hu said his country was proud to have in Pakistan a great and true friend, and paid tribute to leaders of the older generation in both countries who laid solid foundations for the China-Pakistan friendship.

“Let us build on past achievement and strengthen traditional friendship, advanced with the time, expand and enrich China-Pakistan strategic partnership so that our friendship will pass on from generation to generation,” he said.

President Hu said Pakistan-China relations served as an example of friendly co-existence and mutually beneficial cooperation between countries with different social systems.

“We are good neighbours, close friends, trusted partners and dear brothers.”

He praised the people of Pakistan for working with perseverance and in a pioneering spirit to uphold national dignity and sovereignty and achieve great progress in development.

“In the new century, the Pakistani people, rallying under the leadership of President Musharraf, have effectively responded to serious and complex developments, both at home and internationally, and made remarkable accomplishment in maintaining social stability and promoting economic development and ethnic harmony,” he said.

President Musharraf expressed his gratitude for the support China has extended to Pakistan in all fields.

“There are many important symbols of this cooperation. The Karakoram Highway, Gwadar Port and the Chashma power plant are only a few of the projects that we have completed with your help,” he said.

He pointed put that convergence of interests of the two countries on the global and regional levels would advance the international agenda for peace and prosperity.

The president thanked China for its support to Pakistan for entry to the Asia-Europe Meeting and welcomed Beijing’s association with Saarc (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) as an observer.

He said that international security cooperation should be based on mutual trust and on removal of concerns through consultation and coordination “so that we can jointly respond to threats and challenges to global security”.

Pakistan, he said, desired peaceful environment in the region. Consistent with this aspiration Pakistan sought peaceful resolution of all issues with India, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

Similarly, he stressed, a stable Afghanistan would open up vast opportunities for Pakistan as well as other countries in the region.

President Musharraf also called for early restoration of sovereignty in Iraq and implementation of the roadmap for peace in the Middle East.

He said history and circumstances had placed Pakistan in the forefront of war against terrorism and expressed the resolve to fight this grave threat.

He lauded Chinese contribution to global peace and development.—APP

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Mr Hu Jin Tao walks alongside Gen Musharraf flanked by smart officers from the Presidents Guard Battalion (in red).


A poster with pictures of Hu Jin and Mush in Islamabad.

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Lot’s of new horizons!

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2006\11\24\story_24-11-2006_pg1_2
**Pakistan, China to sign 18 agreements
**Pakistan and China are to sign a total of 18 agreements and memorandums of understanding, including a free trade agreement (FTA), today following talks between President General Pervez Musharraf and his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao, who arrived here on Thursday on a four-day state visit. The agreements will cover economic relations, trade, cooperation in education, science and technology, and cultural exchanges. The two sides will also discuss cooperation in civil nuclear technology to help Pakistan meet its growing energy needs. Hu, the first Chinese president to visit Pakistan in 10 years, will also meet with Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz. He is to make a televised address to the people of Pakistan from the Islamabad Convention Centre on Friday, the first time a foreign leader will speak live on PTV since former US president Bill Clinton in March 2000. On arrival, the Chinese president said Pakistan and China were “good neighbours, good friends and dear brothers” and his visit aimed at deepening friendship expanding cooperation and planning the future of “our relationship”. It is the first visit by a Chinese president to Pakistan in 10 years. President Musharraf and Prime Minister Aziz, setting aside protocol, were at Chaklala Airbase to receive Hu, who is accompanied by a high-powered entourage including leaders of private sector companies. The president later hosted a banquet in honour of Hu at Aiwan-e-Sadr. rana qaisar

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He’d be going to Lahore on Saturday and the city has declared public holiday as preperations go on for a warm Lahori welcome.
Meanwhile the leaders express national sentiments to each other.

The News International: Latest News Breaking, World, Entertainment, Royal News**
Pakistan, China to build on their robust friendship

**President Pervez Musharraf and Chinese President Hu Jintao on Thursday pledged to build on a robust and time-tested friendship between Pakistan and China and expand their strategic partnership as the Chinese leader began a four-day visit to the South Asian country.

Speaking at a banquet President Musharraf hosted in the honour of the Chinese president at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, the two leaders described Pakistan-China ties as an example of good neighbourly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation.

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, chairman Senate, speaker National Assembly, members of the federal cabinet, Services chiefs and chief justice of Pakistan attended the banquet. “Friendly ties between Pakistan and China are shining example of good neighbourly relations. Our friendship has remained constant and unchanged regardless of the transformed global circumstances,” President Musharraf said in remarks to welcome his Chinese counterpart. The visit, he added, was “another milestone in the closer friendship and cooperative partnership between Pakistan and China”.

He said a strong faith and trust in each other form the bedrock of bilateral relations, which the two countries have nurtured with care and devotion. Chinese President Hu Jintao, reciprocating the sentiments, said his country was proud to have in Pakistan a great and true friend, and paid tributes to the leaders of the older generation in both countries, who laid the solid foundations for promoting China-Pakistan friendship.

** “Let us build on past achievement and strengthen traditional friendship, advanced with the time, expand and enrich China-Pakistan strategic partnership so that our friendship will pass on from generation to generation,” Hu said. **

He said Pakistan-China relations stood as an example of “friendly co-existence and mutually beneficial cooperation between countries with different social systems**. “We are good neighbours, close friends, trusted partners and dear brothers.” **

Hu praised Pakistani people for working with perseverance and in a pioneering spirit to uphold national dignity and sovereignty and achieve great progress in development.

** “In the new century, the Pakistani people, rallying under the leadership of President Musharraf, have effectively responded to serious and complex developments, both at home and internationally and made remarkable accomplishment in maintaining social stability and promoting economic development and ethnic harmony.”
**
President Musharraf acknowledged and expressed his gratitude to the steadfast support China has extended to Pakistan in all domains. “There are many important symbols of this cooperation; the Karakorum Highway, Gwadar Port and the Chashma Power Plant are only a few of the projects that we have completed with your help,” he said.

President Musharraf noted convergence of interests of the two countries on the global and regional levels and commonality of approach to advance the international agenda for peace and prosperity.

In this context, the president thanked China’s invaluable support to Pakistan for admission to the Asia Europe Meeting and welcomed Beijing’s association with Saarc as an observer. “Our comprehensive cooperation and robust partnership is in the fundamental interest of our peoples and conducive to peace, progress and stability of Asia.

“We are committed to upholding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, respecting diversity and promoting democracy in international relations,” he added. He said international security cooperation should be based on mutual trust and addressing concerns through consultation and coordination “so that we can jointly respond to threats and challenges to global security”.

Pakistan, he said, desires a peaceful environment in the region in the interest of regional development and to raise the living standards of the peoples of the two countries. Consistent with this aspiration, the president said, Pakistan seeks peaceful resolution of all issues with India, including the longstanding Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

“Success in this endeavour would usher in a new era of peace and prosperity in South Asia,” he added. Similarly, a stable Afghanistan will open up vast opportunities for Pakistan and indeed for the regional countries, the president said. “Pakistan has fully supported every international effort for peace and stability in Afghanistan,” he added.

President Musharraf also called for an earliest restoration of sovereignty in Iraq and implementation of the roadmap for peace in the Middle East. He said history and circumstances have placed Pakistan in the forefront of the global fight against terrorism and expressed a firm resolve to fight this grave threat of the present time.

The president lauded China for its contribution to global peace and development. “Its (China) moral voice in international affairs and its efforts to uphold principles of equity and justice are a source of strength for the developing countries,” he added.

Pakistan applauds and support China’s efforts to create a harmonious world, the president said. Musharraf, praising China’s spectacular economic growth, said it was a source of inspiration for all developing countries. “As a neighbour and longstanding friend, we rejoice in your achievements and seek ever closer and comprehensive economic cooperation for mutual benefit,” he said.

On the occasion, he underlined Pakistan’s strategic location at the confluence of South Asia, the Gulf region and Central Asia. Pakistan wants to leverage this unique location for beneficial economic and trade interaction between the regions and for Pakistan to become a hub of trade and communication activity, he said. Pakistan, he added, has also offered energy corridors from the Gulf and Central Asia for supply of gas to Pakistan, India and China.

He recalled the deep-rooted friendship between peoples of Pakistan and China, which has a long history of rich interaction, spreading over two millennium. Despite having different systems and cultures, he said, the two countries have weaved together all strands of their relations into a beautiful mosaic.

The two countries, he added, share idealism for a safe, secure and prosperous neighbourhood with their regions, free from strife and conflict, and a world embracing peace, harmony and understanding.

“We want this vision to be translated into reality,” the president said. He extended a warm welcome to the distinguished guest as the year 2006 marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Pakistan and China.

** “Your visit to Pakistan is a high point of these celebrations and a befitting tribute to the all-weather and time-tested friendship that exists between our two peoples,” he added. He recalled his two visits to China this year and expressed the confidence that these and President Hu Jintao’s visit would help their countries chart a “clear trajectory of Pakistan-China partnership in the 21st century”.

“Pakistan values its friendship with China. It remains our abiding endeavour to strengthen cooperation with china. “Together, Pakistan and China will continue to forge ahead towards new and higher horizons in building a better future for our peoples and promoting international peace and stability and prosperity,” the president said.
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*** Chinese leader to address nation today***

ISLAMABAD: Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao will be allowed to address the Pakistani nation live on state television in a highly unusual move by Beijing’s close ally, officials said Thursday. The only other foreign dignitary to be afforded exclusive airtime on the state-run broadcaster was former US president Bill Clinton when he was in Islamabad in March 2000. “The Chinese president’s address will be telecast live on national television Friday,” Information Minister Mohammad Ali Durrani told AFP. “This reflects the sentiments of the nation towards a great friend like China. The strength of our friendship is deeper than the oceans and higher than mountains."

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Billboard with images of Aziz, Hu and Mush at Constitution Avenue Islamabad.


Mr Hu Jintao inspecting the guard of honour.

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China signs free trade pact with Pakistan

China signed a free trade pact with old ally Pakistan on Friday as visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao promised to bolster ties to a new level. Hu arrived in Pakistan on Thursday on the first visit by a Chinese president in a decade. His visit also marks the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations which analysts describe as Pakistan’s most stable. The two countries signed 18 agreements including the free trade pact which they hope will boost trade from $4.26 billion last year to $15 billion within five years. Separately Chinese companies struck deals worth $3 billion.

There had been speculation the two countries would also sign an agreement on helping Pakistan build new nuclear power stations. No deal was announced although Hu promised nuclear energy cooperation. China has already helped Pakistan build a 300-megawatt nuclear plant and is building a second of the same capacity. Referring to that help, Hu told a news conference with Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf: “We will continue to carry out such cooperation.” Hu arrived in Pakistan on Thursday from a visit to India where he agreed with leaders to expand economic relations, sweep away mistrust and speed up efforts to resolve border disputes. Analysts said he would be keen to demonstrate that China’s growing ties with India would not come at Pakistan’s expense. “China will continue to view its relations with Pakistan from a strategic and long-term perspective,” Hu said. “We are ready to work together with Pakistan to raise our strategic partnership onto a new level.”

“FRIEND TO SOUTH ASIA”

Hu signaled that China would remain even-handed when it came to Pakistan’s decades old dispute with India over the divided Himalayan region of Kashmir. “South Asian countries are close neighbors to China. So as a neighbor and a friend to South Asia, China sincerely hopes to see peace and stability maintained on the sub-continent,” he said when asked about Kashmir, the cause of two of the three wars the nuclear-armed south Asian rivals have fought since 1947. Hu said China appreciated and supported peace efforts by Pakistan and India, adding: “We are very much committed to playing our constructive role for peace, stability and development of the subcontinent.” Analysts believe China has supported Pakistan’s missile and nuclear weapons program for decades and it is also Pakistan’s main supplier of conventional arms. The warmth of Pakistan’s ties with China contrasts sharply with the on-off relationship Pakistan has had with the United States. The United States reached a nuclear energy cooperation deal with India this year but declined to offer Pakistan similar help. Pakistan remains under a cloud because of the role played by its former top scientist in a nuclear proliferation scandal. In addition to the free trade agreement, China and Pakistan agreed on a five-year plan to boost economic ties. Other agreements covered areas such as telecommunications, infrastructure, science and technology, culture, health and defense, including collaboration on the development of an airborne early warning surveillance system.

Chinese and Pakistani companies struck 13 joint venture agreements for projects in various areas including chemicals, construction, energy and tourism worth $3 billion, a Pakistani investment official said. **Hu was due to address the Pakistani nation on television later on Friday and travel to the city of Lahore on Saturday. He is due to leave Pakistan on Sunday. **

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20061124/wl_nm/pakistan_china_dc_4

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Pakistan and China sign deal to develop long-range radar equipped early warning planes

Pakistan and China have agreed to jointly develop long-range radar equipped early warning aircraft, the Pakistan Air Force said Friday in a statement. The announcement came during a visit to the country by Chinese President Hu Jintao in which the two allies are expected to discuss expanding ties in the defense, nuclear, economic and trade sectors.** The Pakistan Air Force and Chinese Aviation Industries agreed “for long term collaboration and co-development in the fields of aircraft manufacturing and other related fields including AWACS,”** the PAF said. It said a Memorandum of Understanding was signed in Islamabad between the PAF and the Chinese Aviation Company, CETC, for the improvement and further development of Chinese Airborne Early Warning System. “The same may be delivered to Pakistan in coming years,” the statement said.

Pakistan Air Force is already collaborating with another Chinese aviation company, CATIC, for the co-development and co-production of JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft. Fight JF-17s are expected to be delivered to Pakistan during 2007.

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2006/11/24/asia/AS_GEN_Pakistan_China_Air_Force.php

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The Chinese leader and his senior officials look so relaxed in Pakistan…and at home.

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Chinese President receiving Pakistan’s highest civilian award - the ‘Nishan-e-Pakistan’.

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wow. if i was Hu i'd be really creeped out.

we're not subtle.

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Strill waiting for the Nuclear deal though.. The Nuclear deal would be a big boost to relations..

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What does the FTA offer Pakistan? Can anyone post up the agreements if there are any versions floating around.

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Free trade accord with China signed: High-performance aircraft to be jointly produced

Pakistan and China on Friday signed 18 agreements and memoranda of understanding, including a landmark free trade pact that could triple bilateral trade to $15 billion within five years and a key accord for developing aircraft equipped with long-range early warning radars. President Gen Pervez Musharraf and his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao, who earlier held one-to-one talks, stood behind commerce ministers and officials of the two countries as they signed the agreements, including a five-year development programme.
“This serves the fundamental interests of our two peoples and is also conducive to the peace and development of our region,” Mr Hu told a joint news conference with Gen Musharraf. “We want to work with Pakistan to raise our strategic ties to a new level,” he said. President Musharraf said the “evergreen relationship of Pakistan and China will remain for all time”. Mr Hu said his country would continue to help Pakistan in the field of nuclear power and provide assistance in sectors of hydro-electricity, coal and alternative sources of energy. He said China had already developed “in very close cooperation” Chashma-I nuclear power plant and was aiding in the construction of another plant. “In the future we will continue to carry out such cooperation.”

**Pakistan, after Chile, on Friday became the second country to have an FTA with China. Both sides agreed to scale down customs duty to zero per cent on 5,104 tariff lines (products) in three years and on 3,942 items from zero to five per cent within five years after the implementation of the agreement. **

Separately, Pakistan Air Force said it signed a memorandum with a Chinese aviation company, CETC, to jointly develop aircraft equipped with long-range early warning radars.“The same may be delivered to Pakistan in coming years,” it said in a statement. The PAF and the Chinese aviation industries agreed for long-term collaboration and co-development in aircraft manufacturing and other related fields, including Awacs. PAF is already collaborating with another Chinese aviation company for co-development and co-production of JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft. Eight JF-17s are expected to be delivered to Pakistan during 2007.

PLEDGES & ASSURANCES: Answering a question, President Hu said China wanted to see peace and stability in the subcontinent. China, he said, supported the efforts being made by Pakistan and India to resolve their disputes through dialogue. “On our part, China is committed to play a constructive role for peace and stability and development of the subcontinent,” he said. The Chinese president was asked whether his country was ready to play any role in the settlement of the Kashmir dispute.
“Peace process between India and Pakistan is conducive for South Asia and Asia as a whole. Therefore, we will encourage them to resolve their disputes peacefully,” he said. In reply to a question by a Chinese journalist, President Musharraf said CBMs between Pakistan and India were proceeding well and that he was optimistic about the future. “But there is need to focus on conflict resolution and Kashmir happens to be the core issue,” he stressed.
President Musharraf said he had an excellent round of talks with President Hu and that there was unanimity of views on all issues. Mr Hu said they both believed that their all-weather friendship and multi-dimensional cooperation were defining features of the Pakistan-China ties. China, he declared, would continue to view its relations with Pakistan from a strategic and long-term perspective.

AREAS OF ACCORDS: Other agreements and MoUs signed between Pakistan and China are exchange of note verbales authorising the establishment of consulate-general of Pakistan in Chengdu, executive programme of the cultural agreement, accord on economic and technical cooperation, MoU for establishment of China-Pakistan joint investment company, exchange of letters authorising the construction of a China-Pakistan friendship centre in Islamabad, framework agreement on security of financing for China-Pakistan bilateral cooperation, exchange of letters for construction of schools and hospitals in the earthquake-hit areas of Pakistan, MoU for financial support for upgradation and rehabilitation of Karakoram Highway, completion certificate of the Gwadar port phase-I, contract agreement on Karakoram Highway improvement project,framework agreement between China’s Northern Industries Corporation and Heavy Engineering Complex Taxila, Huawei-TML-GSM phase-5 expansion project agreement, MoU between China-Zhenhua oil company and Pakistan’s Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources, exploration and development of Saindak East Ore Body in Pakistan, agreement for collaboration in President’s Rozgar Scheme; and PVC Back Integrated Complex of Engro-Asahi Polymer and Chemical Limited of Pakistan.

http://www.dawn.com/2006/11/25/top1.htm

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Another hugely significant agreeement. :k:

Karakoram Highway extension accord signed

**Pakistan and China on Friday signed $325 million agreement for construction of an additional 200km part of Karakoram Highway (KKH) from Rai Kot to Sazeen. **The agreement was signed between the Bank of China and the economic affairs division by Communications Minister Mohammad Shamim Siddiqui and China Road and Bridge Company Chairman Chen Yu Sheng. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Sheng said there was a shortfall in the amount allocated for the project but it could be met by China. He said the study of Gilgit-Skardu section of the highway would be carried out soon. The company, he said, would send 200 engineers and surveyors to Pakistan in February 2007 and the construction work would start by March. “The construction of the KKH is a big challenge but we will complete it in the minimum possible time,” he said.

The Chinese official said his company would be responsible for maintenance of the KKH for one year and in the next year it would impart training to Pakistani engineers. The Chinese firm would construct a sports complex, children parks, dispensaries and restaurants along the highway, he said. He thanked the Pakistani nation for according warm welcome to Chinese President Hu Jintao, saying both the nations had strong relations of friendship and the Karakoram Highway was the main artery of this friendship. **The minister for communications said China had already signed an agreement for construction of the KKH from Khunjrab to Rai Kot, which was a 335-km long stretch. **He asked Chinese company to also construct 74km highway from Gilgit to Skardu. Mr Siddiqui assured the Chinese official that the Pakistani government would offer all possible help and support to his company during the construction of the KKH.

The minister said the distance between Kashghar and Gwadar was 2,600kms whereas the distance between Beijing to Kashghar was 8,500kms. Therefore, the highway would boost economic activities between the two countries and Central Asian Republics. He said a quadrilateral agreement had already been signed by Pakistan, China, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan for movements of goods.

http://www.dawn.com/2006/11/25/nat1.htm

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Whoa..that’s a whole bunch of projects Pakistan is getting. Just like I hope for. China and Pakistan cooperation should go beyond military.

Latest Gossip on Chat
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Anyone knows how advance is the JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft?

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cyberena check out the JF-17 thread you posted in Military section, I’ve posted some links for info there;
http://www.paklinks.com/gs/showthread.php?t=237534

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Guys, the discussion comparing US-Israel to China-Pakistan has been split into this thread;
http://www.paklinks.com/gs/showthread.php?t=237556
kindly direct posts on this subject to this thread.

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China may forsake gold, but not friendship with Pakistan: Hu

Chinese President Hu Jintao has said Sino-Pak friendship will not be affected in the changing global geo-political scenario, citing an adage, “China will prefer to give up gold than friendship” with Pakistan. “There is an old Chinese saying that gold can be scarified but friendship can never be given up,” Hu said while addressing a reception given in his honour by Punjab Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi at the Shalamar Gardens on Saturday. He said though the geo-political situation was rapidly changing at the global level, but Pak-China friendship would not change as it was based on vast interest of the people of both the countries. “Chinese industrialists and trade organisations prefer to invest in Pakistan. They have invested in various sectors, particularly in motorcycle industry and today China-made motorcycles are running all over Pakistan, especially in the Punjab.” “The Sino-Pak economic cooperation will benefit the people of both the countries, as it will further strengthen Pak-China friendship,” he said. He added that Pak-China mutual relationship is benefiting both the countries in different sectors, including politics, economy, defence, and at the level of people. Hu stressed that China and Pakistan should promote friendship through mutual efforts and should make joint struggle for bringing development and prosperity for the people. “Pakistan is among those countries that stood by China in difficult times and helped it. We cannot forget Pakistan’s role for China over the years. In the past, both Pakistan and China stood by each other during crucial times. Political and economic cooperation between China and Pakistan will be strengthened further. “Over the years both Pakistan and China have become trustworthy friends, as their friendship is time-tested,” he said. He pledged China would stand by Pakistan in all kinds of circumstances.

The Chinese president stated that Pak-China friendship flourished in the 1960s and Lahore played an important role to strengthen it further, which later covered other cities of China and Pakistan. “The first time I came to Lahore was in 1984. After 22 years I got an opportunity to see this beautiful city once again. Lahore is a famous historical city. If someone wants to know Pakistan, he will have to know Lahore, as here he can find out social and cultural values of Pakistan,” he said and added that Lahore bears testimony to a bright future of Pakistan. He said the Punjab, particularly Lahore, is the important pillar of Pakistan’s economy and industry. He said a famous personality of great philosopher-poet Allama Iqbal was born in a city of the Punjab. While thanking Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi for the warm welcome, Hu said 1.3 billion people of China were also thankful to Pakistan, particularly to the Lahorites, for giving such a warm welcome. Earlier in his welcome address, Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi said the 21st century world would have to seek guidance from the ancient Chinese wisdom for solution of its burning issues and disputes. He said China has always upheld the time-honoured principles of international justice and Pakistan has always enjoyed complete support of China on Kashmir and other important issues.

He said Pak-China friendship is a lasting and durable reality and has stood every test of time. He said China has always provided invaluable guidance to Pakistan on important issues. He recalled that China supported Pakistan at every critical juncture and people of Lahore cannot forget the fact that it helped when the city was attacked 40 years ago. He said friendship between China and Pakistan was not based merely on their proximity or geographical considerations. The chief minister said China became a beacon of light for the world in the field of international politics and economy as the international markets were glutted with Chinese products. It was the earnest desire of the Pakistanis to benefit from the charismatic strategy of their lasting friend due to which it has become a model even for the developed nations, he added. He said the Punjab was also been making rapid progress in every sector in accordance with the development vision of President Pervez Musharraf. He said the Punjab government wanted to establish a special joint economic zone for private investment and it was its earnest desire that our Chinese brethren should take upon the responsibility of management of this zone. He said he had presented this proposal to the governor of Jiangsu province during his visit to China to which he had agreed in principle. He said Punjab government is willing to provide land for this project free of charge. He expressed the confidence that the federal government will leave no stone unturned towards completion of any project to be executed in the province with the guidance and cooperation of China. Pervaiz said that in the backdrop of fast-changing international scenario, a large number of Pakistanis want to learn Chinese language. He said the Punjab government is setting up Jiangsu cultural centres in the province for the teaching of Chinese language and the government will also provide scholarships to the students. He stressed upon the need for exchange of maximum number of cultural, literary, educational and journalist delegations between Punjab and Jiangsu.

APP adds: The Chinese president was accorded a red-carpet welcome when he arrived on a two-day visit in the provincial capital on Saturday. Upon his arrival at the Allama Iqbal International Airport, he was greeted by the Governor Khalid Maqbool, Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi while the spouse of Chinese president was welcomed by Rubina Khalid, the wife of the governor. Hu was introduced to a long reception line comprising members of the Punjab cabinet, high-ranking civil and military officials besides Chinese working in various projects in Pakistan. The provincial capital, especially the major roads, were giving a festive look as these have been tastefully decorated with flags of Pakistan and China besides banners inscribed with welcome slogans and portraits of Chinese and Pakistani leaders. On Sunday, President Hu will visit the Chinese home appliances manufacturing firm, Haier at Manga Mandi.

http://thenews.jang.com.pk/top_story_detail.asp?Id=4395