Pakistan's China ties uncomparable to any other country: Yousuf Raza Gilani

Pakistan and China enjoy a deep-rooted strategic relationship that cannot be compared with China's ties with any other country, including India, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said today.

"There is no comparison of the time-tested relations between Pakistan and China and Sino-India bilateral ties. There is no threat for Pakistan," Gilani said during an interaction with reporters hours after Chinese premier Wen Jiabao began a visit to India.

Gilani was responding to a question on growing Sino-India ties, particularly trade relations.

Gilani, who addressed the media regarding Wen's forthcoming visit to Pakistan during December 17-19, said Pakistan's trade with China is continuously growing and exports to that country witnessed a 37% surge last year.

Bilateral trade is expected to touch $15 billion to $18 billion in the next five years, he said.

Referring to the Chinese premier's visit to India prior to his trip to Pakistan, Gilani said: "We appreciated their improved ties".

However, the time-tested relations between Pakistan and China, which support each other at all international forums, cannot be compared with Beijing's ties with any other country, he added.

Asked about China's possible role in resolving differences between Pakistan and India, Gilani said Islamabad would welcome such a role as it desires good relations with all neighbours.

Gilani said the government and people of Pakistan are looking forward to premier Wen's visit, which would further strengthen the "all-weather and historic" friendship between the two countries.

"China is Pakistan's true and most reliable friend. Our relations are special as they are rooted in the ethos of the peoples of the two countries. Pakistan and China have always stood together at all times. It is for this reason that our friendship is described as all-weather," he said.

Wen will hold meetings and wide-ranging talks with the Pakistani leadership, interact with businessmen and entrepreneurs and address a joint sitting of Pakistan's Parliament during his visit.

"The Chinese premier will inaugurate the Pak-China Friendship Centre and special events have been organised in this regard," Gilani said.

Developing and enhancing the relationship with China is a cornerstone of Pakistan's foreign policy, he added.

To mark the 60th anniversary of Pakistan-China ties next year, Islamabad has declared 2011 as the Pakistan-China Friendship Year.