Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Sunday sent a message to Chairman
of the 12th summit of the South Asian Association for Regional
Cooperation (SAARC) and Pakistani Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah
Khan Jamali, congratulating him on the convocation of the summit
meeting.
"Since its founding, SAARC has played an active role in
enhancing the economic development, social progress and cultural
exchange in South Asia thanks to the common efforts of its member
states," Wen said.
"Today, leaders of SAARC member states meet to discuss major
issues of further stepping up South Asia regional cooperation and
moving towards common prosperity. I am sure that this summit will
exert a positive influence upon the regional development and
cooperation in this part of the world," the Chinese premier said in
the message.
He said that China and South Asian countries enjoy long-standing
friendly relations and cooperation.
"The Chinese government is ready to work together with the
governments of all South Asian countries to promote the cause of
peace and development in the region," Wen said.
The SAARC summit opened in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan,
earlier on Sunday.
(Xinhua News Agency January 4, 2004)