China and Pakistan highlighted the importance of bilateral friendship, and decided to lift strategic cooperation to a new high, according to a joint statement released on Tuesday.

The statement was signed during Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf's six-day state visit, which began on April 10 in Hainan Province, where he attended the annual meeting of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) and met Chinese president Hu Jintao.

During his Beijing visit, he met Chinese top legislator Wu Bangguo, Premier Wen Jiabao and top political advisor Jia Qinglin, respectively.

Hailing the development of Pakistan-China relationship in the past five decades, Musharraf said Pakistan considered the ties with China, an all-weather friend, as the backbone of its foreign policy.

He called the friendship the "living example of harmony", saying it goes beyond the leadership and deep into the hearts of the two peoples.

The two countries exchanged their views on international and regional issues of common concern, and agreed to further push forward bilateral cooperation in trade, economy, science and technology.

Pakistan reiterated its adherence to the One-China Policy and its support of China's unification cause. It also expressed its condemnation and rejection of secessionism, separatism and terrorism.

Pakistan congratulated China for its great achievements since it started the reform and opening-up drives 30 years ago.

Pakistan said it appreciated China's excellent preparations for the Beijing Olympic Games and pledged to support and cooperate with China in this matter.

(Xinhua News Agency April 16, 2008)