President Asif Ali Zardari has said that China is a trusted and great friend of Pakistan, and both countries need to further strengthen strategic cooperation for their mutual benefit of the two sides.                  

He was talking to the visiting Commander of the Ground Forces of the People's Liberation Army of China, General Li Qiaoming, who called on him along with his delegation in Islamabad today.            

The President said both China and Pakistan enjoy historic relations, spanning over seven decades, and affirmed Pakistan's resolve to stand with China in view of the changing global scenario.

He underscored the need for further enhancing military and defence cooperation, people-to-people contacts, and cultural linkages to bring the two countries further closer.

He said Pakistan is encouraging the learning of Chinese language which would greatly help promote people-to-people ties.

The President remarked that the two countries should work closely to overcome shared challenges.    

Highlighting the importance of Pak-China friendship, the Chinese Commander said friendship between the two countries is unbreakable. He added that both countries need to work together to fight terrorism.           

He condemned yesterday's terrorist attacks in Pakistan and offered his heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Pakistan over the attacks.