On the evening of December 28, 2008, special envoy of the Chinese government and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister He Yafei, who is on a visit to Pakistan, expressed China’s deep concerns over the current tensions in South Asia.

While holding talks with Pakistani Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir, He exchanged views with him mainly on the current situation in South Asia. He expressed hope that Pakistan and India, both important neighbors of China, would bear in mind regional peace and stability, ease tensions as soon as possible and properly handle relevant problems through consultations and cooperation. China holds that it is in the common interests of both countries and peoples and at the same time is the common aspiration of the international community, he said.

Bashir said Pakistan appreciated China’s efforts to ease the tensions in South Asia. He noted that his country remained committed to establishing sound relations with India through dialogue and consultation in a bid to safeguard regional peace and stability. Pakistan will continue its effective measures to combat terrorism and religious extremist forces.

He also exchanged views with Bashir on China-Pakistan relations. Both sides agreed to further advance the traditional friendship between the two countries and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in all areas for the benefit of both countries and their peoples.

He arrived in Islamabad on the evening of December 28, kicking off his visit to Pakistan. During his visit, He will also meet with Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani and Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi.