Musharraf in China to discuss security issues

BEIJING, Jan 17: Pakistani military ruler General Pervez Musharraf arrived here today for a two-day visit to China expected to focus on regional security issues, reports AFP.

Musharraf, who ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif in an October 12 coup, issued a statement shortly after his arrival describing China as Pakistan's "most reliable and trusted friend."

Musharraf said he looked forward to holding in-depth discussions with Chinese leaders on the security situation and on steps Pakistan has taken to bring peace and stability to the region.

"It is a great pleasure and privilege for me to visit the People's Republic of China -- a country which Pakistan holds dear as its most reliable and trusted friend," Musharraf said in the statement.

"My visit to China is a reaffirmation of our close and fraternal ties."

Musharraf extended greetings and best wishes on behalf of the Pakistani people to the people of China for a prosperous new year and new century.

He said the two countries would strive to further stren-gthen their relations in the new century.

"China has stood by Pakistan in difficult times. Our relations have remained strong and steadfast, notwithstanding the cataclysmic changes in the political and security environment at the international, regional or domestic level," Musharraf said.

"I am confident that my visit would further fortify our ties, strengthen our mutually beneficial relations and enhance mutual cooperation in international fora."

Musharraf was scheduled to meet Prime Minister Zhu Rongji later Monday.

He was due to hold talks with Chinese number two Li Peng and President Jiang Zemin on Tuesday.

China's official Xinhua news agency said Musharraf's discussions here would concern "bilateral ties and regional and international issues of common concern."

China has long been a crucial ally, providing vital military equipment and acting as a counterweight to Pakistan's arch-rival India and the influence of Russia.

The Beijing leadership, unlike most Western powers, did not condemn the coup in Islamabad and has not raised questions over Pakistan's return to military rule.

Military ties between Beijing and Islamabad have been particularly close and the United States suspects China of providing Pakistan with nuclear and missile technology.

Pakistan was one of the first countries to recognise the People's Republic of China in 1950 and the two were brought closer together by the Sino-Indian war of 1962.

China supported Pakistan in the fight against the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan in the 1980s.

Musharraf is travelling with a high-level team for the two-day trip, including Foreign Minister Abdus Sattar and Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz.

Ahead of the visit, Pakistani foreign ministry spokesman Tariq Altaf described Pakistan-China relations as "a cornerstone of Pakistan's foreign policy."