By Li Hongmei
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Thursday assured Pakistan of "every support and assistance" to boost bilateral cooperation in key areas of business, trade, energy and infrastructure to cement their "all-weather" ties.
"China will give you every support and assistance and by helping you, we have to help ourselves," Li said while addressing a special session of the Senate or Upper House of Pakistan's Parliament.
Li, in his maiden visit to Pakistan as Chinese Premier, said China will extend further cooperation in all sectors, especially in the fields of strategic relations, energy, science and technology and agriculture.
Pakistan's support is vital for China's development, he said, adding that both the countries should stand shoulder-to-shoulder as friends and brothers with "pragmatic cooperation".
"To be friends forever is the cherished desire of both nations", he said, describing the friendship as the outcome of centuries-old people-to-people contacts.
Highlighting priorities for taking both countries towards development and progress, Li said they would have to speed up the development of the Karakorum Highway and its use for trade activities.
"We are ready to work with Pakistan to speed up the project of upgrading the Karakoram Highway, actively explore and develop the long-term plans of building a China-Pakistan economic corridor, expanding our shared interests", he said.
Launching social and financial projects and cooperation in energy and agriculture would also boost bilateral ties, he said.
Li, 57, recalled his first visit to Pakistan 27 years ago as a youth leader and said that through his interaction with people, he had learnt that both sides cherished their friendship.
Referring to Pakistan's geo-political significance, Li said the country was involved in maintaining regional stability and global peace.
He said support and cooperation were vital for the mutual benefit of both countries.
The premier also invited Nawaz Sharif to visit Beijing and reiterated a promise to strengthen economic ties.
Mr Sharif, whose Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) party secured a convincing victory in the May 11 general election but who has yet to take office, said it would be a "personal honor" to accept Li's invitation.
Premier Li, on the final day of his Pakistan visit, told the Senate that China is ready to speed up work to improve the Karakorum Highway, which links the two countries.
"We want to not only expand our trade relations but also achieve dynamic balance in our trade," he told senators after holding talks with Sharif and senior PML-N leaders.
