Pakistan honours Chinese Vice Premier Zhang

ISLAMABAD - President Asif Ali Zardari Wednesday conferred the Hilal-i-Pakistan, the country’s second highest civilian honour, on visiting Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Dejiang for promoting cooperation between the two countries in the fields of science and technology, infrastructure development and increased connectivity.

Zardari conferred the honour at a special investiture ceremony at the Aiwan-e-Sadr here.

Zhang had “played an important role in further promoting the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation between Pakistan and China and has taken special interest in promoting cooperation between Pakistan and China in the fields of science and technology, infrastructure development and increased connectivity”, the citation read on the occasion said.

During their talks earlier, Zardari and Zhang discussed bilateral relations, economic cooperation, the war against terror and the regional situation, Online news agency reported.

Highlighting the time-tested Pakistan-China friendship, the president said that the element of mutual trust and respect had further strengthened the bonds between the two countries and their peoples.

“Our friendship, that has been transformed into a strategic partnership, is a unique opportunity to enhance our mutual cooperation into a multifaceted collaboration in various areas for the mutual interests of the people of both the countries,” Zardari said.

Appreciating Chinese support to the government in its war against terror, the president reiterated that Pakistan was committed to curbing the menace of militancy and extremism at all costs.