¡¡   BEIJING, Feb. 20 (Xinhuanet) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao and visiting Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf vowed to build stronger ties between the two countries in their talks here on Monday. 

 President Hu Jintao (R) and visiting Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf during a signing ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing Feb. 20. (newsphoto)

    "China-Pakistan relations have stood the test of time and international ups-and-downs since the two countries forged diplomatic ties 55 years ago," Hu said.

    As close neighbors, China and Pakistan enjoy "an all-weather friendship," Hu said, adding that the friendship serves as a paradigm of peaceful coexistence and sincere cooperation between countries of different social systems and cultures.

    "We appreciate the support Pakistan has given China on Taiwan and other issues," Hu said. "We will, as always, back the efforts Pakistan has made to safeguard state independence and sovereignty."

    Hu said that the Chinese government and people value the traditional friendship with Pakistan and would like to take the 55th anniversary of the bilateral ties as an opportunity to raise the strategic partnership to another height.

    Echoing Hu's views, Musharraf said the Pakistani government and people regard China as "a trustworthy neighbour and friend" and would like to continue the strong relationship and step up strategic cooperation.

    Musharraf said Pakistan would like to work with China to boost trade agreements and push forward negotiations on free-trade areas.

    Pakistan will set in motion "the early harvest program" for free trade between the two countries, Musharraf said, adding that it would encourage collaboration in terms of investment, energy and infrastructure.

    Pakistan values China's cooperation in the construction of the Gwadar port in southern Pakistan, Musharraf said. "We will make the port a symbol of friendship between Pakistan and China."

    Pakistan hopes that China will make full use of the geographic advantages of Pakistan, making Pakistan "a trade and energy channel" in the region, Musharraf said.

    Pakistan would also like to step up communication and cooperation with China on education, culture and security, jointlycrack down on "three forces" -- separatism, terrorism and extremism -- and enhance coordination on international and regional issues, Musharraf added.

    Musharraf also briefed Hu on Pakistan-India relations and the two leaders exchanged views on the South Asia situation.

    Hu said China would like Pakistan and India to improve relations by means of dialogue and resolve disputes like the Kashmir issue through negotiations.

    China is ready to develop friendly relations with all South Asian countries on the basis of equality and mutual benefit, Hu said. "We hope the South Asia region will maintain peace and stability and seek common development."

    After the meeting, Hu and Musharraf attended a ceremony, at which a series of cooperation agreements were inked, including a deal on expanding and deepening bilateral trade and economic cooperation.

    Musharraf's visit coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two neighbors. He will unveil a series of commemorative events in Beijing and meet senior Chinese leaders here.

    He will also visit Southwest China's Sichuan Province, the hometown of giant pandas, before he wraps up the five-day visit on Thursday. Enditem