In Pak,Wen says terror not linked to country

“Let’s stand together with a new confidence and begin a new era of progress and prosperity by jointly confronting all challenges,” Wen said during his address to a specially convened joint sitting of the two houses of Pakistan’s Parliament,a first by any Chinese leader.

Stressing that terrorism must not be linked to any country or religion,he said: “There should be no dual standards in this regard.” He also called for efforts to address the “real reasons” behind terrorism,saying Pakistan had paid a “heavy price” for it and needed to be appreciated.

“China’s stance is clear and consistent. China,while standing along with Pakistan and the international community,is making sincere efforts to promote cooperation in this regard,” Wen said before winding up his three-day visit here.

He reiterated that Pakistan and China are “all-weather strategic partners and share the sorrows and joys of each other as close brothers”,as members of the Senate and National Assembly thumped their desks.

Both countries had reached this stage in their ties after passing through difficult phases,he said.

While people in Pakistan say that a good neighbour is a blessing,“we in China say it is better to have a good neighbour than a relative who lives far away”,Wen added.

The Chinese premier expressed the belief that the Pakistani people will be able to surmount all the difficulties they are currently facing and assured that “the Chinese government and people will firmly stand by you to face all challenges together”.

Wen began his speech by greeting the parliamentarians with an “As salam-o-alaikum” (Peace be upon you)”. He was also cheered when he said in Urdu,“Pak-China dosti zindabad (Long live Pak-China friendship)”.

Though Pakistan is passing through a difficult phase as it is facing many challenges and problems,the government and people are “united and moving forward to safeguard the solidarity,prosperity and sovereignty of the country”, Wen noted.

He said it was the joint strategic vision of China and Pakistan to have an all-weather strategic partnership and this is “in conformity with the national interests of the peoples of the two countries. It would help promote peace,stability and prosperity of the region.”

Wen also pledged that bilateral ties will get “more deeper,closer and stronger”.

He described the friendship between the two countries as a pine tree that remains evergreen despite the harshest winters and as a strong horse whose worth is known only when it accomplishes a long journey.