China appreciates measures adopted by Pakistan and India on easing bilateral relations, and hopes the two countries will maintain the good momentum.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhu Bangzao made the remarks Thursday at a regular press conference.

It is reported that Pakistani Chief Executive Pervez Musharraf spoke to Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee on February 2 over the phone. This was the first contact between the leaders of the two countries in the past year.

Zhu said that the improvement of the relations between Pakistan and India is the common aspiration of all countries in the region, and conforms to the fundamental interest of the Pakistani and Indian people.

Such progress would also benefit regional peace, stability and development, he said.

(People’s Daily 09/08/2001)