Musharraf to visit China to cement ties
Reuters, Beijing
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf will make a state visit to China from Feb. 19 to strengthen relations at a time when their traditional ties have been tested by new regional currents. Pakistan served as a go-between when China and the United States began exploring diplomatic ties in the early 1970s, and it long served as China's strategic counterweight to India in south Asia. China is one of Pakistan's largest aid donors. But China has also been pursuing warmer relations with India -- Pakistan's longtime rival -- and has been in talks with New Delhi aimed at ending long-running territorial disputes. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Kong Quan said the 5-day visit was very important, adding the two countries had a friendship that could endure "all weather". Musharraf will hold talks with Chinese President Hu Jintao, and also sign a series of deals, Kong told a regular news conference.
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