President Asif Ali Zardari has hoped that growing linkages between Xinjiang and northern areas of Pakistan would further strengthen cultural and economic bonds.

He made these remarks during the meeting with Communist Party Secretary of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region Chen Xiaojiang in Urumqi today.

The President said he looks forward to the day when both countries can be easily accessed by road.

He said Pakistan will continue to work with China in countering terrorism and extremism, while expanding cooperation in agriculture, manufacturing, livestock, industry, mining and new technologies.

Highlighting Xinjiang's pivotal role in China Pakistan Economic Corridor, the President encouraged greater industrial and agricultural collaboration, noting the potential of Special Economic Zones in Gilgit-Baltistan.

He invited people from Xinjiang to visit Pakistan's northern regions and underlined that Pakistan will always remain China's most reliable partner and trusted friend.

In his remarks, Chen Xiaojiang underlined that Xinjiang has now become a hub of prosperity, social stability and lasting peace, with its GDP surpassing 5.6 trillion yuan.

He said the region is advancing in agriculture and livestock while addressing the root causes of extremism and terrorism.

The Party Secretary said Xinjiang looks forward to deepening Government to Government and Business to Business cooperation with Pakistan, particularly in agriculture, livestock, mining and industry.

He reaffirmed the desire to work closely on security and counter-terrorism as well.