Chinese President Hu Jintao on Friday expressed the hope that
Pakistan takes all necessary measures to beef up the protection of
Chinese citizens there after a well-publicized hostage crisis
earlier this month ended in the death of a Chinese.
Two Chinese engineers were held hostage in Pakistan's restive
South Waziristan Tribal Agency bordering Afghanistan on Oct. 9. One
was killed and the other injured in a rescue raid by Pakistani
military forces on Oct. 14.
In a meeting with Chaudhry Amir Hussain, speaker of the
Pakistani National Assembly, Hu said he appreciated Pakistan's
efforts to rescue the Chinese hostage and to help deal with
remaining problems. The Chinese government, however, remains very
worried about its citizens in Pakistan.
Hussain thanked the Chinese engineers for their participation in
Pakistan's economic construction, saying Pakistani would spare no
effort and take every possible measure to guarantee the safety of
Chinese citizens.
Hu said the relations between China and Pakistan, along with the
changes in international and domestic situations, have developed
soundly since the two countries forged diplomatic ties 55 years
ago.
The two countries reached consensus on developing bilateral
relations in the new century during the China tour by Pakistani
President Pervez Musharraf last November, Hu said. "China-
Pakistani friendship sets an example for countries with different
social systems and cultural backgrounds," he said.
Citing increasing mutually-beneficial cooperation in various
fields, Hu said China values bilateral traditional friendship and
persists in enhancing neighborly friendship between the two
countries.
Hussain said the two countries have deepened friendly exchanges
at various levels under the guidance of the joint declaration
signed by the two heads of state.
Both the Pakistani ruling party and opposition party attach
great importance to the friendship with China, said Hussain.
(Xinhua News Agency October 30, 2004)