The Hindu : International : Wen visit will boost relations, says Pakistan

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Wednesday, Apr 06, 2005

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International

Wen visit will boost relations, says Pakistan

By B. Muralidhar Reddy

ISLAMABAD, APRIL 5. The Chinese Premier, Wen Jiabao, was today given a rousing welcome when he arrived on a three-day visit. A number of pacts in education, political, economic, defence, trade and agriculture will be signed during the visit.

In demonstration of their assertion that they enjoy "all-weather and all- encompassing" relations, the Pakistani Prime Minister, Shaukat Aziz, gave a go by to the protocol and drove to the Air Force Base at Chaklala to receive him. The official welcome ceremony was held at the Prime Minister's house.

Mr. Wen held talks with the Pakistani delegation led by Mr. Aziz and later attended a banquet. He is accompanied by a 70-member strong delegation, which includes Ministers, dignitaries, senior officials and businessmen.

Boost to ties

According to the Foreign Office spokesman, the visit would promote "friendly, time-tested and all-weather relations" between the two countries. Mr. Wen will also call on the President, Pervez Musharraf, tomorrow who will host a luncheon in his honour.

Mr. Wen will deliver a keynote address at the inaugural session of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD). His activities include an address to the Pakistan China Joint Business Forum, a meeting with the youth delegations of Pakistan and China and attending the foundation stone-laying ceremony of Pakistan China Friendship Centre in Islamabad.

The Foreign Office spokesman said the visit will provide a useful opportunity to exchange views on bilateral, regional and international issues of common interest. Coinciding with the visit of the Chinese Premier, several high level delegations are here to hold discussions with their counterpart Ministries.

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