ISLAMABAD, April 1 (Xinhua) -- China and Pakistan will work to further consolidate good neighborly friendship and strengthen the strategic and cooperative partnership between the two countries, officials said here Sunday.

Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and his Pakistani counterpart Khurshid Mahmood Kasuri were addressing a joint press conference following the talks held between them Sunday afternoon.

At the invitation of Kasuri, Li embarked upon a two-day official visit to Pakistan on April 1-2.

Along with Pakistan, China is willing to further consolidate good neighborly friendship and cooperation for the mutual beneficial of the two peoples and for the development of the region, Li said.

"We want to work with Pakistan to take the strategic and cooperative partnership to a new height," he said.

To a question, Li said the fundamental objective of China's policy towards South Asia is the stability and development and good neighborhood and cooperation.

He expressed the hope that all countries in South Asia will enjoy political stability, economic prosperity and harmony for common development, adding that China is committed to develop long term and stable good neighborly and friendly cooperation with South Asian countries.

Briefing the media, Kasuri said the Pakistani-Chinese bilateral relations are excellent over a period of half a century and have deepened further to the benefit of the two peoples. He reiterated that the two countries enjoy a long-lasting, time-tested and all-weather friendship.

Kasuri expressed appreciation for China's support on several economic projects of "great national significance", including the newly inaugurated Gwadar Port.

He said the joint five-year program for trade and economic cooperation, and free trade agreement already signed between Pakistan and China will strengthen significantly the economic relations between the two countries.

Kasuri said Pakistan welcomes China's entry into SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) as an Observer, which has elevated the profile of the organization.

He said Pakistan is confident that China would play an important role in the association.