Farooq Hamid Naek, Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan, meets the Chinese media in Beijing on July 15 (CHEN RAN)

Farooq Hamid Naek, Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan who took office in March this year, kicked off his first overseas visit to China on July 10 at the invitation of top Chinese political advisor Jia Qinglin.

During the Beijing leg of his eight-day visit, Farooq Hamid Naek shared his views on Pakistan-China relations and regional antiterrorism efforts with Beijing Review reporter Chen Ran.

Beijing Review: How do you view the relationship between China and Pakistan?

Farooq Hamid Naek: Pakistan and China have an all-weather relationship; we are old and trusted friends. Our relationship dates back more than five decades. China has always come to our aid whenever needed.

I have come here along with a delegation of Pakistani senators to renew the ties of friendship and cooperation between our two countries. I have brought a message of love, affection and sincere greetings from the people of Pakistan to the people of China.

Since my arrival in China, the hospitality of the Chinese people, their culture, their history and their cuisine have left a great mark on us. When I come here, I feel that it is my second home.

What are the priorities of current cooperation between China and Pakistan?

The current priorities between Pakistan and China are economic cooperation, defense cooperation and interaction between the people from our two countries. I paid a visit to Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China in Shanghai and I was very impressed. I think in the future we will cooperate in civil aviation.

The political systems in our two countries are different, but that does not affect the relationship between our two countries. More people-to-people contact is needed. CPPCC (Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference) and NPC (National People's Congress) delegations should visit Pakistan with their chairmen. There should be interaction between parliamentarians of the two countries so that we can study each other's systems and learn from each other. In the same way, there should be exchange of judicial officers between the two countries so that we can learn from each other. Our relationship and bond of friendship will be strengthened through meetings and people-to-people contacts.

People-to-people contacts are very important, especially for the younger generation. Currently, thousands of Pakistani people are studying in China on scholarships, thanks to the Chinese Government. Chinese students should study and live in Pakistan so that our bonds will become closer and stronger. Thousands of Chinese engineers are now working in Pakistan to help develop our economy. China has gone far ahead of Pakistan. If you need help, it is our duty to come to your help. We believe that a friend in need is a friend indeed.

Do you see any cooperation between the two countries in terms of fighting against terrorism?

Pakistan is against terrorism in all forms. The recent military operation in Pakistan that you have read about in the media began as a fight against terrorism, and our army has done a wonderful job. Millions of people in Pakistan have been affected by terrorism, directly or indirectly. We are committed to eliminating terrorism because we feel that this is a malice, which is affecting peace and stability not only in Pakistan but also the entire world.

As far as the July 5 incident in Urumqi is concerned, Pakistan supports the stand taken by the Chinese Government. We believe that any terrorist activity committed, whether by an individual, a group or a state, is reprehensible. Violence must be suppressed and justice must be done. The Chinese Government has done justice by announcing plans to compensate the victims. Pakistan has blocked a meeting of the OIC (Organization of the Islamic Conference) with regard to the Xinjiang region.

Pakistan is one of the biggest victims of terrorism. We lost our great leader Benazir Bhutto, our former Prime Minister, when she was assassinated by terrorists on December 27, 2007. In order to eradicate terrorism, extremism and separatism, three countries are essential along with Pakistan--China, Iran and Saudi Arabia. We should work together and solve the problem at the regional level.

The construction of the Pakistan Pavilion at the 2010 World Expo started on April 28. How do you view the upcoming Expo in Shanghai?

Shanghai was the first leg of my visit to China. It is a beautiful city. The development and the economic progress there are phenomenal. I think it is unprecedented in human history that in such a short period of time China has accomplished so much. The leadership has been wise and the people have been very hard working. I'm proud of the development that China has gained. It's unbelievable.

As far as I know, the Pakistan Pavilion will cover about 2,000 square meters, which is right opposite to the Chinese Pavilion. That shows that China values its friendship with Pakistan. Themed "harmony in diversity," the pavilion will merge various aspects of the best of Pakistan's cities into one showcase of culture, tradition, modernity and history. We will build the pavilion like the Lahore Fort in Punjab Province, a UNESCO world heritage site. We'll present folk dances, costumes, handicrafts and cuisine there.