Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and his Pakistani counterpart Yousuf Raza Gilani held talks Friday to deepen their countries' bilateral strategic cooperative partnership and cooperation in various fields.

At the beginning of their talks, Wen extended appreciation for the hospitality of the Pakistani people for his visit. He said the two nations enjoy a profound friendship that has laid a solid foundation for bilateral relations.

"I hope to tell the world through my visit that China and Pakistan have been good friends, and we will continue to do so in the future," Wen said.

Wen arrived in Islamabad earlier on Friday to start an official visit to Pakistan.

The premier said that to enhance bilateral friendly ties not only meets the fundamental interests of both countries but also contributes to peace and stability in Asia and the world.

Gilani told Wen that China is the "best" and "most-trusted" friend of Pakistan, and he was proud of the growth of their bilateral all-weather friendship.

"Your visit is another landmark in the long and glorious history of our relations," he said.

Extending congratulations on China's success in holding the Shanghai Expo and the Guangzhou Asian Games, Gilani said the results underscored China's competence and organization skills in holding such great events.

During Wen's three-day stay in Islamabad, he is scheduled to meet Pakistani leaders and representatives who have contributed to bilateral friendship.

He will also address a joint session of Pakistan's parliament and inaugurate the China-Pakistan Friendship Center, which was set up to facilitate exchanges among students, media and academic circles.

Forging diplomatic ties in May of 1951, China and Pakistan have developed an all-weather friendship and all-round cooperation. China pledged a total of 250 million U.S. dollars to Pakistan after floods hit the South Asian country and affected more than 20 million people.

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