ISLAMABAD, Dec 13 (APP): Caretaker Prime Minister Mohammedmian Soomro Thursday said Pakistan always accords high priority to its relations with China and was keen to expand it in all sectors of life. He said the deep-rooted relationship was based on the strong trust, abiding cooperation and understanding of each other's positions on regional and global issues. "China is our strategic partner and all weather, time tested friend. The strategic relationship between Pakistan and China is contributing significantly towards regional peace and stability," he said this while talking to Senior Vice Foreign Minister of China, Mr. Wang Yi, who called on him here.

The Prime Minister said the relationship between the two countries were broad-based as Pakistan and China were actively cooperating in political, diplomatic, social, economic and defence fields. 

China is an emerging power and is a factor for global peace and stability, he said and added Pakistan admires the achievements of the Chinese leadership and China's example is an inspiration for all developing countries.

He said China phenomenally exporting its capital and investing in many counties and Pakistan is keen to offer its economic potential for investment in the infrastructure, energy, exploration and other important sectors.

He particularly mentioned and appreciated China's support for the up-gradation of the Karakurram Highway and the signing of contract for the construction of the Neelum-Jhelum Hydro Power project. 

The Prime Minister said for the last couple of years there was a big surge in trade between the two countries and efforts were underway to further promote it. The Free Trade Agreement between the two countries was an historic development and had helped a lot in enhancing trade and economic activities between Pakistan and China, he added.

Prime Minister Soomro said the government of Pakistan had given a lot of incentives to Chinese investors to invest in Pakistan so that the economic ties between the two counties would be further strengthened.

Recalling the conference of Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industries held in Beijing recently, he said it was quite useful in identifying joint ventures with China in different fields.

Pakistan, he said could become a conduit for China to the Middle East and visa versa.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan is committed in its endeavour to fight terrorism in all its form and manifestation and would not allow anyone to use its territory for any kind of activities prejudice to the security of any other country.

"Pakistan is capable of defending its territory and will not allow any foreign troops on its soil. We will cooperate with the global community to create environment of peace and harmony and oppose terrorism," he added.

Explaining the current political situation in the country, he expressed the hope of smooth transition of power to the elected government after general election.

He specifically mentioned that the manifestos of all the political parties, contesting the election reflect that all believe in continuation of policies for the development and prosperity of Pakistan.

Mr. Wang Yi conveyed the greetings of the President and Prime Minister of China to the Prime Minister Soomro for assuming additional responsibility as a caretaker Prime Minister.

He said his government and the people of China always regard Pakistan as their true friend and hoped that existing relations between the two countries would further strengthen in time to come.

He further said China and Pakistan are the strategic partners and hoped that this relation would grow further in future.

The meeting discussed cooperation to increase trade, investment security, defence, science and technology and enhancing people to people contact.

The visiting dignitary said Chinese people and government support their brethren in Pakistan and will work closely with them to enhance cooperation in every field.