PR. No.078/2008

Date: 02/04/2008

CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER CALLS FOREIGN MINISTER QURESHI

The Foreign Minister of China, Mr. Yang Jiechi, telephoned Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi to congratulate him on assumption of office as the Foreign Minister of Pakistan. The Chinese Foreign Minister, while referring to the comprehensive and multifaceted cooperation between the two sides, expressed hope that our bilateral relations will further be strengthened.

The Foreign Minister of Pakistan thanked his Chinese counterpart for the telephone call and said he would make personal endeavours to further expand and deepen this important relationship. The Foreign Minister while reciprocating the sentiments emphasized that China is Pakistan 's most trusted friend and strategic partner.

The Foreign Minister said the people of Pakistan admired the great success of the Chinese people and greatly valued their traditional friendly relationship with China . He thanked the Chinese government for the support and valuable assistance for mega projects of national significance for Pakistan .

The Foreign Minister also congratulated his Chinese counterpart for hosting the 29 th Olympics in Beijing , expressing his belief that the mega event would be a grand success. He thanked the Chinese side for choosing Islamabad as one of the stopovers for Olympic Torch Relay.

Islamabad

02 April 2008