By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan and China have resolved to further strengthen bilateral ties in economic, defence and energy sectors at a meeting held in Russia on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit.
Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met Monday in St Petersburg and resolved to strengthen ties for the benefit of both countries.
The two leaders discussed the entire gamut of strategic and economic cooperation between their countries, reported Associated Press of Pakistan.
Chinese Premier Wen reiterated his government’s support for Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Wen commended Islamabad’s principled stand to safeguard its sovereignty without bowing to undue pressure.
Pakistan had called the US raid to kill Osama bin Laden May 2 an attack on its sovereignty, straining ties with the US.
Wen underscored the importance of time-tested strategic partnership between China and Pakistan, an official told Associated Press of Pakistan.
Gilani said his country attached great importance to enhancing economic and trade links with China, which include promoting closer collaboration in energy, mining, infrastructure, information technology, telecom, agriculture, irrigation, railway, communication, finance and banking.
He called upon expediting the process of currency swap between the two countries.
Gilani said strategic and defence cooperation was an important component of both the countries.
He said Pakistan was grateful for the ongoing cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear technology.