Southwest China's Sichuan Province and Pakistan's Punjab Province established friendly relations in Chengdu Wednesday.

 

The two provinces are both known for large rivers and universities in their respective countries.

 

Sichuan and Punjab signed a memorandum of understanding to unveil the new close relationship.

 

Visiting Pakistani President Musharraf attended the signing ceremony.

 

He said before the ceremony that Pakistan hopes to further develop economic and trade cooperation with Sichuan which is an important gate to China's vast western region.

 

(Xinhua News Agency February 23, 2006)