On February 21, 2006, Chairman Jia Qinglin of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) met respectively with Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf and Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK) in the Great Hall of the People.

When meeting with Musharraf, Jia said that bilateral exchanges go back to ancient times, the friendship between both countries is deeply rooted in the hearts of the people and bilateral relations enjoy a solid foundation. The two countries are good friends, neighbors and partners of mutual reliance. In the new century both sides should face the future and expand exchanges and cooperation in various areas and at all levels based on the consolidated traditional friendship. In particular both sides should further strengthen friendly non-governmental exchanges and cooperation and continuously promote bilateral strategic cooperative partnership.

Jia said that the CPPCC of China has always maintained close contact with the Pakistani Senate and both sides have conducted effective cooperation at various levels and in all areas. The CPPCC of China would like to continue strengthening exchanges and cooperation with the Pakistani Senate and make unswerving efforts in promoting the friendship between both peoples and pushing for in-depth development of strategic cooperative partnership.

Musharraf said that Pakistan hopes to continue maintaining and enhancing the existing sound political relations with China, expand cooperation in the broad areas of economy, trade and culture and promote friendly exchanges between both peoples at all levels in a bid to elevate bilateral relations to a new height.

When meeting with Prescott, Jia said that currently bilateral relations enjoy a sound development momentum. Last year President Hu Jintao paid a successful visit to the UK, Prime Minister Tony Blair paid a successful visit to China and both sides launched the strategic dialogue mechanism, which have injected new vitality and connotation into bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership. Recently bilateral cooperation in various areas has continuously scored new achievements and both sides have also maintained close communication and cooperation in international and regional affairs. To strengthen comprehensive strategic partnership is not only of great significance to both countries, but also conducive to world peace and development. China attaches great importance to developing bilateral relations and would like to continue making efforts with the UK to push for greater development of bilateral relations.

Jia indicated that the CPPCC of China would like to further strengthen exchanges with the institutions and organizations including the UK parliament and contribute to further development of bilateral relations and the friendship between the two peoples.

Prescott noted that since Hong Kong returned to China, bilateral relations have witnessed sound development. The UK would like to further promote bilateral cooperation in the areas of economy & trade, science & technology, culture and education and would also like, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, to work with China to contribute to world peace.