In a meeting with visiting Pakistan Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali, Jiang said Pakistan is one of the south Asian nations which has the closest relations with China.

The bilateral relations have withstood the test of time since the two countries established diplomatic relations 52 year ago, Jiang said.

He said China will adhere to the principle of "friendship and partnership with neighbors" so as to develop friendly exchanges and cooperation with neighboring countries.

China has just elected a new government, he said, but the country will maintain continuity and stability in its development strategy and foreign policy.

He said developing the all-round cooperative partnership with Pakistan remained an important part of China's foreign policy of good neighborliness and friendship.

Jiang believed the new leadership of China will enhance bilateral ties along with Pakistan so as to ensure friendship for generations to come.

Jamali said during his China visit he had seen great changes brought about by the reform and opening-up policy.

China's socio-economic development is a great contribution to the world, especially to developing countries, he said, adding that Pakistan is proud to have such a neighbor.

Relations between China and all south Asian countries are built on the foundation of equality and mutual benefit, he said.

Pakistan values China's positive role in international and regional affairs and the Pakistan government will develop all-round cooperative relations with China, Jamali said.

Jamali was visiting China as guest of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao.

(Xinhua News Agency March 25, 2003)