In pursuance of the Framework Agreement on Energy Cooperation, the first Pakistan-China Energy Forum was held in Islamabad in April 2006 in which more than 50 Chinese enterprises participated.

How do you see the potential and prospects of bilateral economic cooperation?

We are very optimistic about the future prospects of our strategic economic engagement with China. Both sides are desirous of bringing economic relations on par with our political and strategic cooperation. The steps I outlined above are surely going to boost our economic ties.

Last November, Chinese President Hu Jintao visited Pakistan. Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing toured Pakistan last month. Pakistani top leaders are also regular visitors to China. What role do these visits and friendship play in regional peace?

Pakistan cherishes its long-standing and trusted friendship with China. The two countries have not only developed an exemplary state-to-state relationship but our two peoples have also forged a friendship, which is rooted in their hearts and minds. Today, this exemplary partnership for peace and development has become a model of inter-state relations. This “comprehensive partnership” in political, economic, defense and other fields is a factor of peace and stability in South Asia.

Since the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, the two countries have forged a rock-solid partnership based on mutual trust. Pakistan was one of the first countries to recognize the new China. We were also one of the first countries to reach an agreement on border demarcation with China. Both countries have supported each other during difficult times.

China is the most important friend and neighbor of Pakistan. China’s assistance to Pakistan, especially in economic projects, has been most valuable. With the Chinese commitment in a number of large-scale economic projects, China is one of the largest investors in the economic field in Pakistan.

The Joint Declaration on Directions of Bilateral Cooperation signed on November 3, 2003, by the presidents of Pakistan and China in Beijing, the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Good Neighborly Relations signed during Premier Wen’s visit to Pakistan in April 2005 and the three Framework Agreements on Comprehensive Cooperation in Defence, Energy, and Economic and Trade signed in February 2006 during President Musharraf’s visit to China, provide the architecture for the Pakistan-China relations into the 21st century.

As a close neighbor and a good friend of China, what role and influence does Pakistan hope China to play in regional and global affairs?

China’s civilization renaissance is going to be the defining theme of the 21st century. With historically unprecedented growth rate China has dramatically turned around the standard of living of its people. Its role in the world affairs is indispensable today.

One of the remarkable features of the “China miracle” is that it has achieved such stunning economic success peacefully. As it progresses on the road to create a truly harmonious society it also acts as an inspiring example for the developing countries worthy of appreciation and emulation.

Another distinct feature of China’s peaceful rise is that it brings in its wake prosperity and stability in its surrounding regions. China today has settled most of its borders. Its strong moral voice, its magnanimity and sagacity in dealing with its neighbors coupled with its amazing economic success contribute to greater peace and harmony in the surrounding region as well as in the world.

Within South Asia, Pakistan and China are bound by deep and strong bonds of friendship. Similarly, China has good relations with all South Asian countries. We strongly believe that China’s increasing interaction and involvement will contribute enormously to peace and stability in the region. In this regard we warmly welcome China’s involvement in SAARC (South Asian Association Regional Cooperation) as an observer.

How can we ensure that our relationship continues to grow in the future?

I see a very bright future for Sino-Pakistani relations in the next 20 years and beyond. United by our common desire for peace, prosperity and development, our relationship is going to grow in strength. As I mentioned earlier, the leadership of our two countries is particularly focusing on strategic economic engagement between our two countries. Similarly, we are taking steps to promote people-to-people contacts and cultural cooperation between our two countries.