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Hu Jintao awarded Nishan-e-Pakistan

Nirupama Subramanian

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Friday conferred the Nishan-e-Pakistan, its highest civil award, on President Hu Jintao for his "visionary leadership and splendid contribution in charting the course of China-Pakistan relations in the 21st century".

President Musharraf conferred the award at an investiture ceremony at the Islamabad Convention Centre, a grand conference venue in the capital.

Earlier the Chinese President addressed the people of Pakistan from the same venue, in the presence of Gen. Musharraf, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and a specially invited audience.

In his address, telecast live on Pakistan TV and radio, Mr. Hu spoke in glowing terms of the 55 year-old friendship between the two countries, describing Pakistan as an "indispensable partner," and thanked Pakistan for helping "to build bridges" between China and the U.S. back in the 1970s.

The detailed address covered all aspects of the relations, including the agreements signed between the two countries on Friday. The ties were an example of the "harmonious co-existence between countries of different civilisations", Mr. Hu said.

He also made a significant reference to diversity as a reflection of "the vitality of the world" that helps to promote its "dynamic growth".

Praising Gen. Musharraf for his concept of "enlightened moderation," Mr. Hu said it would promote harmony between countries of different "civilisations".

"One should not make irresponsible remarks about the internal affairs of other countries simply because of the difference of other countries, and it is equally wrong to blame a particular civilisation, region or religion for some problems or conflicts in the world."

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