President Zardari’s visit to China to promote economic cooperation:FO

ISLAMABAD, Feb 19 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari’s visit to China, starting on February 20, will promote economic and trade relations between the two countries, said Foreign Office Spokesman Thursday. Addressing weekly briefing at Foreign Office, the spokesman Abdul Basit said, “President Zardari’s visit is part of his quarterly visit to China to explore economic cooperation.” President Asif Ali Zardari is visiting China from February 20 to 23 to explore avenues for cooperation with China in the fields of energy and agriculture resources. The President will visit Wuhan, the capital of Hubei province, Yichang and Shanghai, the regions that are industrial hubs of China to observe country’s development in agriculture, use of hybrid seeds, science and technology. Replying to a question about the latest development about Mumbai attacks, the spokesman said, “Pakistan is waiting the reply to the question raised out of the preliminary enquiry into the incident on the basis of the information provided by India.” The spokesman said Pakistan always said disputes and conflicts between Pakistan and India should be resolved through dialogue and negotiations. He said Pakistan is of the view that there is no room for war to resolve the conflicts in the region. “The Foreign Minister will leave for Washington very soon to participate in the review meeting with American leadership on the issue of fighting terrorism and extremism in the region,” said the spokesman. He expressed the hope that there will be “positive change” in the review of the policy towards the issue of drone attacks as Pakistan has been saying that these attacks have proved counter productive. On the question of formal request for extradition of Ajmal Kasab allegedly involved in Mumbai attacks, the spokesman said, “We have not made any such formal request.” Regarding strong reaction from the world especially from NATO on the “Swat Peace Deal” the spokesman said Pakistan will use all possible means to achieve the objectives of peace and security in the region. The spokesman said the system of ‘Adal’, is basically the system of justice that linked to peace and tranquility in the troubled region. Referring to these reactions, the spokesman said, most of them are speculative adding that Pakistan attaches great importance to fight extremism, terrorism and militants.