China and Pakistan will continue to take steps to deepen and enrich bilateral relations, according to a joint statement issued by the two countries in Beijing Tuesday evening.

Both sides agreed that at a time when major and profound changes are taking place both internationally and regionally, to strengthen good-neighborliness and friendship, develop cooperation and deepen strategic relations between China and Pakistan serves the fundamental interests of the two countries and peoples and will promote peace and development in the region, the joint statement says.

Both sides emphasized that the two countries are committed to enhancing China-Pakistan strategic partnership of cooperation featuring good-neighborliness, friendship and mutual cooperation, it says.

The two countries also agreed to maintain the exchange of high-level visits and contacts and conduct regular consultation and coordination on major international and regional issues and bilateral relations and to make unremitting efforts to promote stability and prosperity both in China and Pakistan and in the region.

In the joint statement, China reaffirmed its respect for Pakistan's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. It appreciated and supported Pakistan's efforts to promote peace and stability in South Asia and supported all efforts by Pakistan to safeguard its sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence.

Pakistan reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to the one-China policy and recognized that the Government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. Pakistan opposed "Taiwan Independence" and fully supported China's peaceful reunification.

The two sides decided to use the occasion of the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties to lift China-Pakistan relations to a new height. The two sides agreed to hold this year the "Cultural Week" and "Film Week", and to exchange media and academic visits.

Source: Xinhua