China-Pakistan ties to get fresh vigor: premier

ISLAMABAD - Visiting Premier Li Keqiang said Thursday that the commitment shared by China and Pakistan to deepening bilateral cooperation will inject new vigor into their friendship.

The two nations boast an evergreen friendship that is always full of vim and vigor, Li said in a meeting with a cross-section of Pakistanis devoted to bilateral friendship.

Noting that the participants are all witnesses and contributors to the friendship, Li expressed his sincere gratitude to all the friendly Pakistanis for their long-term contribution to the brotherly and friendly bond between the two countries.

Inam ul Haque, former Pakistani ambassador to China, said that his work experience in China is a valuable asset in his diplomatic career, and that China's rapid development has greatly inspired other developing countries, including Pakistan.

Li's visit, Haque said, demonstrates the Chinese new leadership's determination to further consolidate and develop the country's relations with Pakistan.

He expressed the belief that thanks to the joint efforts of the two countries, the bilateral strategic cooperative partnership will definitely enter into a new phase.

Other participants in the meeting also shared their own stories and feelings about the friendship, and pledged continued efforts to promote the friendly ties between the two countries.

After hearing their genuine and moving remarks, Li said the China-Pakistan friendship is rooted in mutual understanding and support, forged in adversity and always full of energy.

The joint decision reached during Li's visit to further deepen bilateral comprehensive strategic cooperation is aimed exactly at injecting new vigor into the China-Pakistan friendship, Li added.

Interim Prime Minister Mir Hazar Khan Khoso, who also attended the meeting, said the China-Pakistan friendship is time-tested and deeply rooted in the hearts of the two peoples.

Also on Thursday, Li and Khoso jointly planted a tree representing the China-Pakistan friendship at the Shakar Parian Park in Islamabad.

The premier said the China-Pakistan bond is unbreakable and their friendship will last forever.

Li flew to Switzerland on Thursday, after wrapping up his visits to India and Pakistan, to continue his four-nation overseas trip, which will also take him to Germany.