It is in the fundamental interests of both Pakistan and India that the two countries keep maximum restraint and safeguard peace and stability in the south Asian region, said Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji Thursday evening when meeting with Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf who was in Beijing in transit for the summit conference of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

It is also the common expectation of the international community that they handle their ties in such a way, Zhu said.

During the meeting, Musharraf gave account of the current situation of the relations between Pakistan and India, and stressed that Pakistan hopes for peace and opposes war, and it is willing to ease the tension through dialogue.

Musharraf said that based on the national interests of the country, the Pakistani government has already taken and is taking necessary measures to combat terrorism and contain extremism, with extensive understanding and support from various walks of life in Pakistan.

Zhu extended his understanding and appreciation for Pakistan's active participation in international cooperation on combating terrorism and its measures against terrorism.

Zhu expressed appreciation for the Pakistani side's adherence to seeking dialogue and peace under the current tension between Pakistan and India.

He hoped the SAARC summit would play a positive role in easing the tension in the South-Asian region and strengthening cooperation in the region.

During the meeting, Zhu also spoke highly of Musharraf's visit to China not long ago, noting that the visit has injected new impetus into the friendly cooperation between China and Pakistan in the new century. He conveyed Chinese President Jiang Zemin's greetings to Musharraf.

Musharraf expressed appreciation for the friendship cherished by President Jiang Zemin and the Chinese government, noting the considerate arrangement for his transit by the Chinese side fully demonstrates the close ties between Pakistan and China.

(Xinhua News Agency January 4, 2002)