BEIJING, Nov 3: Pakistan and China on Monday signed landmark agreements to bring their friendship to new heights, meeting the economic and political challenges in the 21st century.

The agreements were signed following formal talks held between President Pervez Musharraf and the Chinese President Hu Jintao at the Great Hall of the People.

In all eight agreements were inked, including a joint declaration, which gives a roadmap for future cooperation between the two countries in all areas of bilateral interest.

Both countries agreed to enhance defence industrial cooperation to their mutual benefit, the joint declaration on bilateral cooperation, signed by President Pervez Musharraf and Chinese President Hu Jintao, said.

It says: “Pakistan and China attach great importance to the role of Pakistan-China Defence and Security Consultation Mechanism in promoting military-to-military exchanges and cooperation.”

It was agreed that the two parties on the basis of equality and mutual benefit, would continue to actively conduct exchanges and cooperation at all levels and in all fields, including exchange of visits, personnel training and armed forces training.

The parties also agreed that separatism, extremism and terrorism pose serious threats to regional security and stability. Both sides resolved to strengthen coordination and cooperation under bilateral and multilateral frameworks.

They will actively support and facilitate substantive cooperation between their departments in combating separatism and terrorism with a view to safeguarding regional peace and stability, the declaration added.

It further says: “The two parties will promote mutual assistance in criminal and legal matters and law enforcing cooperation between the departments concerned and build closer ties.”

The Chinese side reaffirms that it respects the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan and appreciates and supports the efforts of Pakistan for peaceful resolution of all outstanding issues with neighbours.

The joint declaration defined the objectives of their bilateral relations, said a spokesman for the Chinese Government, Kong Quan.

He said the declaration was also a manifestation of strong commitment of the two countries to adopt a common stand on various regional and international issues. The declaration would be formally issued to the press after a couple of days, he added.

Commenting on the declaration, finance minister Shaukat Aziz said it was a landmark agreement aimed at adopting a joint strategy on all matters of mutual interest. Under the agreement, he said the two countries would continue to hold regular consultations to achieve the objectives laid down in the declaration.

The other agreements signed included extradition treaty, relating to exchange of prisoners and holding their trial in their respective countries; preferential trade agreement, meant to reduce tariff on some specific items; cultural exchange programme for regular visits of writers and troupes; export of Pakistani mangoes to China; construction of led zinc deposits at Doddar, with Chinese assistance; award for construction of modern signalling system on main railways lines; and further expansion and development of the Saindak cooper project.

Mr Aziz said that the signing of the preferential trade agreement would enhance volume of trade between the two countries.

Earlier in their talks, the leaders of China and Pakistan pledged to battle separatist Muslims campaigning for an independent Chinese homeland, state media said on Monday.

In his first meeting with President Pervez Musharraf since taking power, Chinese President Hu Jintao said both nations must battle the “three forces” of extremism, ethnic separatism and terrorism, China’s Central Television (CCTV) said.

Mr Hu called on Pakistan and China to step up their fight against transnational crime and drug smuggling, it added.

The Chinese President appreciated efforts of President Gen Pervez Musharraf for deepening Pakistan-China bilateral relations and expressed his pleasure over President Musharraf’s participation in Boao Forum for Asia.

“You are an old friend of the Chinese people, and for many years you have worked for the development of our friendship and cooperation,” Mr Hu told President Musharraf.

China’s foreign ministry said the visit would help strengthen relations with Pakistan, a long-standing ally and friend.

President Musharraf said China was the only country which had its geographic affinity with all the regions in Asia and it should be in the lead of economic relationship in the region.

“We support China’s initiatives in Boao Forum,” the President said.

Pakistan stood resolutely against terrorism and did not enable anti-China forces — including ethnic Uighurs seeking independence for China’s northwestern Xinjiang region — to use Pakistan as a base, CCTV quoted President Musharraf as saying.—Reuters/APP