China, Pakistan agree to stand by each other

BEIJING: Renewing their all weather friendship China and Pakistan today said they would stand by each other "in all circumstances" and vowed to uphold their sovereignty and territorial integrity at all costs.

"The two countries agreed to stand with each other 'in all circumstances', Pakistan's state run APP news agency said in its report on the meeting between Pakistan Prime Minister, Yousuf Raza Gilani and China's Executive Vice Premier, Li Keqiang.

Gilani who is invited to inaugurate the Chinese government backed annual Boao Forum for Asia being held at China's coastal town of Boao met Li on the sidelines of the meeting and discussed bilateral ties.

In his meeting with Li, Gilani assured him that "China's friend is our friend, and China's enemy is ours," a comment apparently aimed at highlighting the rift in US- Pakistan relations.

Gilani said Pakistan considers China's security as its own security and supports its position on Taiwan, Tibet and Xinjiang, the Chinese province bordering Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, (PoK) which experienced increasing attacks by militants, some of whom, Chinese officials say were trained in Pakistan.

Pakistan is committed to fighting terrorism in all its forms, Gilani said and assured Li that Pak-China friendship remained a cornerstone of Pakistan's foreign policy. Strategic and defence cooperation was an important component of Pak-China partnership, he said highlighting the defence ties between the two countries.

Li who is widely regarded as successor to Premier Wen Jiabao next year "categorically said that China would support Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity in every situation", APP report said.