Zeng made the remark in a meeting with Muhammad Yusaf Khan, vice chief of the Pakistani Army Staff.

China and Pakistan have maintained an all-weather friendship and fine cooperation since the two countries forged diplomatic ties some 50 years ago, he said.

Zeng said China appreciates the Pakistani government's firm support for China on such issues as Taiwan, Tibet and human rights.

Zeng also talked about China's position on the regional situations in South Asia and expressed appreciation for the recent measures taken by Pakistan and India to improve their bilateral ties.

Zeng briefed Yusaf Khan the Pakistani guest on China's domestic situation and thanked the Pakistani government and people for their invaluable support in combating severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

Muhammad Yusaf Khan extended greetings to Zeng from Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali.

He spoke highly of China's development and the traditional friendship between China and Pakistan, saying that China's development will help guarantee world and regional peace.

He reiterated Pakistan's firm support to China on issues concerning Taiwan, Tibet and human rights, and expressed gratitude for China's support to Pakistan in international affairs.

(Xinhua News Agency July 17, 2003)