Pakistan's Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani
Pakistan's Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani has hailed China as his country's best friend, as relations between Islamabad and Washington remain strained.
"We are proud to have China as our best and most trusted friend, and China will always find Pakistan standing beside it at all times," Gilani said on Tuesday as he began his visit to China, AFP reported.
"We appreciate that in all difficult circumstances, China stood with Pakistan. Therefore, we call China a true friend and a time-tested and all-weather friend," he added.
Gilani's remarks come as Pakistan has come under severe criticisms from the US over allegations of protecting al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, who was allegedly killed by the US special forces on May 1.
Islamabad has voiced outrage at the “unilateral action” the United States carried out without Pakistan's permission, saying the attack has violated the country's sovereignty.
US Senator John Kerry, who has just returned from a visit to Pakistan, said US lawmakers have threatened to cut billions of dollars in aid to the South Asian country. Kerry has demanded Pakistan to do more to fight terrorism.
Meanwhile, China's foreign ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu said on Tuesday that “Pakistan has made very important contributions in international counter-terrorism cooperation.”
China is the main arms supplier to Pakistan. The two sides are expected to sign a series of cooperation agreements during Gilani's visit to China.
MA/AKM/HRF
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