In an interview Tuesday with Javed Akhter--a Beijing-based correspondent of the Associated Press of Pakistan--he believed that Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf's forthcoming China visit would enhance the all-round cooperation between the two countries.

On Sino-Pakistani relations, Jiang said China and Pakistan are close neighbors with tradition of friendship, and their friendship has withstood the test of time since the two countries forged diplomatic ties 50 years ago.

The two countries' friendship is deeply rooted in the hearts of both peoples, Jiang said.

China cherishes this friendship and values the development of the bilateral friendly and cooperative ties, Jiang noted.

Touching on the issue of Afghanistan, Jiang said that peace and stability in Afghanistan mean a great deal to China and Pakistan, which each borders Afghanistan.

Pakistan and China have cooperated and consulted with each other closely since the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States and have played a constructive role in promoting a just and reasonable solution to the Afghan issue.

In Islamabad, Musharraf told Chinese journalists: "I am looking forward to my visit to China as it would afford us an opportunity to review our bilateral relations with a view to further deepening and intensifying them.

"Pakistan-China friendship is based on shared interests in regional stability, the UN Charter and the five principles of peaceful co-existence. We consider our time-tested ties with China as a cornerstone of our foreign policy and China as our most important and trusted friend,'' he said.

"While we are resolved to further strengthen our multi-dimensional cooperation in the new century, Pakistan-China friendship is not directed against any third country. It is an important factor for peace and stability in south Asia and has assumed greater significance in the changing regional and international situation,'' Musharraf stressed.

(China Daily December 19, 2001)