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CE thanks China for co-operation

BEIJING: The Chief Executive, General Pervez Musharraf, on Tuesday appreciated China's generous cooperation and assistance to Pakistan over the years and expressed confidence that bilateral relations would grow from strength to strength.

He made these remarks in a meeting with Chinese President Jiang Zemin.

He thanked the Chinese leaders for receiving him on such a short notice. "I am thankful for affording me the opportunity to meet all Chinese leaders at such a small notice and also giving the chance to be the first delegation to visit China in the new year".

He said his meetings with Prime Minister Zhu Rongji and Chairman of Standing Committee of National Peoples Congress Li Peng had been "most fruitful".

He appreciated "the assistance, cooperation and generosity extended by China for the development and progress of Pakistan".

The Chinese leader warmly received the chief executive and said that irrespective of the changes that might take place in the international situation, the guidelines for the partnership between Pakistan and China would remain the same.

He lauded Pakistan's unwavering support to China on a number of issues concerning Beijing's interests.

AT MAO's MAUSOLEUM

Gen Pervez Musharraf visited the mausoleum of Chairman Mao Zedong to pay homage to the Founder of the People's Republic of China.

The chief executive accompanied by the members of his entourage, also laid a wreath at the mausoleum of Chairman Mao.ÑAPP