Top political advisor Jia Qinglin on Tuesday hailed China-Pakistan relations and appealed to the two neighbors to further enhance strategic cooperation.

 

Jia, Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), told visiting Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf that the Sino-Pakistan friendship shared a long history and sound foundations.

 

"In the new century, we should further consolidate traditional friendship, expand exchanges and cooperation in all fields and at all levels, especially in non-governmental exchange and cooperation," Jia said.

 

Jia also spoke highly of the cooperation between the CPPCC and the Pakistani Senate.

 

Musharraf told Jia that the Pakistani government has strong aspirations to develop relations with China.

 

He said Pakistan will increase cooperation with China in trade, economy and culture.

 

Musharraf is in Beijing for a five-day state visit. He will also visit Southwest China's Sichuan Province before he wraps up the visit on Thursday.

 

(Xinhua News Agency February 22, 2006)