Pak, China display camaraderie amid strain in US-Pak ties

Facing flak from long time ally US over the Osama debacle, Pakistan Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani today called China his country's "best" and "most trusted" friend while Beijing threw its weight behind its ally, "unswervingly" backing its counter-terrorism efforts.

Gilani, who arrived in China on a four-day visit today, told the Chinese official media that Beijing had stood by Islamabad in most difficult times and was undoubtedly Pakistan's best friend.

"To test a friend whether true or not, it needs time and means under crisis, we appreciate that in all difficult circumstances China stood with Pakistan, therefore we call China a true and a time-tested and all-weather friend," Gilani told Chinese media before leaving Islamabad.

"We are proud to have China as our best and most trusted friend and China will always find Pakistan standing beside it at all times," Gilani, who is scheduled to hold talks with top Chinese leaders, said.

He said China was the first country to show its support and solidarity with Pakistan in the aftermath of the killing of Osama bin Laden by US forces in Abbottabad, following which Washington has been piling up pressure on it to crack down on Taliban and other militant groups.

As Gilani arrived Shanghai, China reciprocated the warm sentiments by calling Pakistan a "victim of terrorism" and applauding its battle against terrorism.

"Pakistan has made very important contribution to international counter terrorism cooperation as well as great sacrifices," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Jiang Yu said replying to a question at a media briefing here on tensions between the US and Pakistan after Osama's killing.

"China will unswervingly continue to support Pakistan's efforts to counter terrorism. We believe that fending off and countering threat of terrorism is common challenge facing international community," Jiang said.

Jiang said the international community should join hands together and jointly tackle the challenge.

"We hope the relevant countries will continue to strengthen cooperation with Pakistan in this regard and provide further assistance," she said without making a direct reference to the US.

Gilani's visit has come in the immediate aftermath of the visit of US Senator John Kerry who delivered a tough message to the Pakistani leadership and conveyed the prevailing negative mood in Washington over continuing massive anti-terror aid to Pakistan.

In her replies, Jiang did not reveal whether China would step in and offer any assistance to Pakistan on its own during Gilaini's visit but said Beijing would look to "further consolidating and developing friendship and cooperation" as it is common aspiration of people of both the countries.

"We are willing to work together along with Pakistani side to create a bright future for that relationship," she said.

Ahead of Gilani's arrival, Pakistan's ambassador to China, Masood Khan said the two countries will ink accords in the areas of economy, technology and defence during the visit.

Gilani's visit is important both "symbolically and substantially" with the two countries arriving at a number of important pacts, he told Pakistan state-run APP news agency.

An MoU will be signed between China Banking Regulatory Authority and State Bank of Pakistan, besides an agreement in economic and technical cooperation, he said.

Also, an agreement on extending continuation of China's association with Saindak gold and copper mining project up to year 2017, he said.

The two countries are also expected to work out a pact in defence-related area, he said.

Gilani's visit would follow a four-tier agenda having political, cultural, economic and science and technology dimensions, he said.

Gilani would arrive in Beijing after inaugurating the International Cultural Forum in Suzhou near Shanghai tomorrow.