General Musharraf took the oath of office of president of Pakistan on Saturday morning for a new five-year term, in accordance with the constitution.

"On the occasion of Your Excellency's swearing in again as President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, I wish to extend the most sincere and warmest congratulations to Your Excellency on behalf of the Chinese people as well as in my own name," Jiang said in the message.

The Chinese president said that over the past few years the Pakistani people, under the leadership of General Musharraf, have realized national stability and development after overcoming various difficulties in a complicated and changing situation, both at home and abroad.

General Musharraf's re-election as the president of Pakistan has demonstrated the trust and support for him from the Pakistani people, said Jiang. The Chinese leader also expressed his belief that Pakistan will enjoy further development under the leadership of Musharraf.

Ever since China and Pakistan established diplomatic relations 51 years ago, the two neighboring countries have developed an "all-weather" friendship which enjoys steady development, and bilateral co-operation based on mutual benefit has been fruitful, said Jiang in the message.

China cherishes its traditional friendly relations with Pakistan, said Jiang. He also pledged to join with Musharraf in further deepening and expanding a comprehensive cooperative partnership between China and Pakistan.

(China Daily November 18, 2002)