ISLAMABAD: The Speaker National Assembly Chaudhry Amir Hussain has said that Pak-China relation has matured into a comprehensive strategic partnership, which is of great importance for Pakistan's security and economic development.

He expressed these views while talking to Luo Zhaohui, the ambassador of People's Republic of China who called on him in the Parliament House, here on Thursday.

The Speaker said Pakistan-China relations are time tested and are unaffected by changes in the international environment and both countries have convergence of views on regional and global issues.

He said Political fundamentals of the relations between the two countries are sound and are reflected in the frequent high-level exchanges, bilateral cooperation, understanding and support for each other's position at the international for a and extensive cooperation in economic field.

He said that Pakistan and China friendship spans over half a century and imbued by a high degree of trust and commonality of interests and added that both the countries have unanimity of view on international issues and both believe in peaceful coexistence and resolution of international disputes through dialogue.

Chaudhry Amir Hussain said that exchange of high-level visits has been the hallmark of Pakistan-China friendship and this relation and cooperation that is based on equality and mutual respect has become a shining example of friendly coexistence between development countries.

He said that the Chinese assistance to economic projects, such as Saindak Gold & Copper, Duddar Zinc & Lead and deepening Gwasar Port is propelling economic progress in Pakistan. He said that the proposed widening and up gradation of the Karakormn Highway will open further vistas of trade and commerce between the two countries.

Luo Zhaohui said that economic cooperation was the basis for strengthening relations between China and Pakistan. He underlined the need for enhanced people to people contact and greater exchange of delegation of students, traders and intellectuals.

He said that Pakistan has made tremendous progress in all sectors of the economy the country was having greater potentials and its future was very bright.

He also underlined the need for enhanced exchange of parliamentarians for further strengthening of relations between the two countries.(the Statesman)