By IANS,
Islamabad : The friendship between Pakistan and China is “evergreen” and both countries will continue to stand by each other in the future, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said Sunday.
Addressing a joint session of the Pakistan parliament, Wen said Pakistan had given emergency aid to China in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake in 2008, and in return the Chinese public and army made it possible for distribution of relief goods in far-flung flood-affected areas in Pakistan, Geo News reported.
“Pakistan is a great nation and I feel I am at home here. The Pakistan-China friendship is in our blood. This is an evergreen friendship,” Wen said.
In all decisive moments, Pakistan has stood by China, the premier said, adding that China will help Pakistan through thick and thin.
Wen recalled a Pakistan saying, “A good neighbour is Allah’s blessing”, and narrated a parallel Chinese quote: “Value your neighbour more than your relatives living far away.”
Hoping that Pakistan will overcome the troubles it is facing, Wen said the Chinese government and people will stand by the Pakistani people in this effort.
Wen said bilateral relations will get stronger as time passes.
Regarding global terrorism, the Chinese premier said terrorism is “linked to no religion” and no dual standards should be maintained in this connection.
Wen also announced that China will extend at least 500 scholarships to Pakistani students, offer 100 Pakistanis an opportunity to learn the Chinese language and conduct at least 2,000 cataract operations for the Pakistani people.
Earlier, Senate Chairman Farooq H. Naik received Wen on his arrival at the parliament complex.
The session commenced with a recitation of the Quran.
Fahmida Mirza, the speaker of the National Assembly, the lower house of parliament, presided over the joint session.
“We attach great importance to your address today, as we want to hear a great visionary who has earned laurels as a great statesman,” Mirza told Wen.
Wen’s address to parliament marked the end of his three-day visit to Pakistan, which saw the signing of deals worth $35 billion.
The two countries Saturday signed 22 new trade agreements, worth $15 billion, aimed at deepening strategic and economic toes, officials said.
These came after 13 agreements worth around $20 billion were signed Friday after bilateral meetings.
The deals were inked at a business summit Saturday addressed Wen and his Pakistani counterpart Yousuf Raza Gilani and attended by business representatives from the two nations.