CRI听力:Pakistani PM's China Visit to Seek Support in Combating Terrorism

Pakistani Prime Minister Yousef Gilani is now set to begin his official visit here to China to help commemorate 60-years of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

CRI's Alex Mcnab has more.

The Pakistani Prime Minister begins his China visit in Shanghai before flying to Beijing tomorrow.

Gilani is scheduled to meet with both Chinese President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao.

Masood Khan, Pakistan's Ambassador to China, says the Prime Minister is expected to "exchange views on peace and stability in the region" in the aftermath of the killing of Osama bin Laden.

The ambassador notes that "the threat of terrorism has not been eliminated."

At the same time, Khan also suggests that the US killing of Osama Bin Laden should be characterized as a one-time event.

"We firmly believe that unauthorized unilateral action was one of the events that there would be no repetition, because there would be serious consequences of such repetition. No other country can match the sacrifices that have been given by the people, the armed forces and government of Pakistan."

Prime Minister Yousef Gilian is also expected to oversee the signing of some 20 business deals between his country and China.
Total trade volume between the two countries stands at 8.7 billion U.S. dollars as of the end of last year.

The Pakistani Prime Minister's visit coincides with the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Ambassador Masood Khan has also taken time to thank China Radio International for its recent coverage of the cultural activities along the Indus River in Pakistan to commemorate the China-Pakistan Friendship Year.

"This is a delegation which goes beyond a normal visit. This delegation is going to understand Pakistan's culture and civilization. How do men and women go about their lives? How do people dress? Also, what is the deep influence of our ancient civilization on today's life in Pakistan? They will have broader, more objective, valid forms or perspectives."

CRI's reporters in Pakistan will be reporting there until the end of the month.

For CRI, I'm Alex Manab.