Beijing: China's top legislator Zhang Dejiang on Monday pledged stronger ties with Pakistan in a meeting with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee of Pakistan Rashad Mahmood in Beijing.
Zhang, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), strongly condemned the suicide bombing in the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore that left at least 55 dead and 118 others injured, and extended condolences to the victims, Xinhua reported.
Calling the two countries "all-weather strategic partners", Zhang said beefing up China-Pakistan cooperation and upgrading bilateral ties were part of the consensus reached by both the leaders.
He urged various departments of both countries, including legislatures and armed forces, to implement the consensus of both leaders, aid the construction of major cooperation projects, enhance trade cooperation and cultural exchanges.
Zhang also called for joint efforts to fight terrorism.
The Chinese NPC hopes to enhance friendly exchanges with the Pakistani parliament, he added.
Mahmood said the Pakistan-China friendship was a cornerstone of his country's foreign policy, vowing to back China's efforts to combat evil forces such as the East Turkistan Islamic Movement.
