ISLAMABAD, Dec 10 (APP): Caretaker Prime Minister Mohammedmian Soomro on Monday said that China is Pakistan's strategic partner and a time-tested friend, as these relations are based on mutual trust and unanimity of views on important regional and international issues."These close relations are strongly supplemented and supported by the people of both the countries", the Prime Minister said while talking to Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Luo Zhaohui, who called on him here at the PM House today.

The Prime Minister said that Pakistan considers China's economic growth and tremendous transformation as a great model of growth, peace and prosperity.

He said that Pakistan admires the achievements of the Chinese leadership and China's progress is a source of inspiration for all the developing countries.

The Prime Minister said that Pakistan accords high priority to its close relationship with China and is keen to expand it in all spheres of life.

He further said that China is emerging as a significant exporter of capital and investing in many countries and Pakistan is keen to offer its economic potential for investment in the infrastructure, energy, exploration and other important sectors.

Talking about the economic cooperation, the Prime Minister said that the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with China has a strategic importance for Pakistan.

This FTA, he said, has economic and political significance.  It will open new avenues to enhance trade between Pakistan and China which will further strengthen the bilateral ties, he added.

The Chinese Ambassador said that his government was appreciative of the support of the government of Pakistan in building bilateral relations between the two countries and hoped that these relations would further grow in future as both the countries have a sense of shared values and a desire to further expand their relationship.

He further said that his government and the people of China always regard Pakistan as their true friend and hoped that existing relations between the two countries would further strengthen in the times to come.