President Hu Jintao vowed to further enhance anti-terrorism cooperation with Pakistan and jointly fight against the "three forces" of terrorism, extremism and separatism in the region.

He met with visiting Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Thursday afternoon in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

"Terrorism has posed a grave threat to regional and world peace and stability," said Hu, "China and Pakistan have been deeply harmed by it."

"The government is in firm opposition to terrorism in all forms and appreciates Pakistan's preventive measures in safeguarding the security of Chinese personnel and institutions in Pakistan," Hu said.

Hu said it is China's unswerving policy to consolidate Sino-Pakistani friendship and develop their "comprehensive cooperative partnership."

"The policy will never change no matter how the international situation changes," he said.

Aziz said he appreciated China's economic and social achievements as well as its support and aid, speaking highly of its contribution to safeguarding world peace and promoting common development.

"Pakistan will never allow anyone to conduct terrorist activities against foreign countries on its territory and will spare no efforts in safeguarding the security of Chinese companies and their personnel in Pakistan," he said.

Aziz arrived in Beijing on Tuesday night for a five-day official visit, his first to China since becoming prime minister in August.

(Xinhua News Agency December 17, 2004)