SHANGHAI, China Feb 23 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari Monday said that the world including the super powers, today is facing challenges from the non-state actors who are bent upon damaging the world peace. Addressing the Shanghai-based think tanks, the President said the emergence of these elements was a new phenomenon as they have nothing to lose but everything to damage.

“We are not threatened by nations but by the non-state actors,” President Zardari said.

Pakistan, he said, has been at the forefront of many worst international disputes and has managed to survive as a nation.

He said Pakistan and China were intertwined as far as security and international politics are concerned and Pakistan has always supported China at all international fora on various issues.

Pakistan, he added, will continue to maintain this position as China a trusted and good friend.

“We will always be friends for a better today and a better tomorrow.”

The President lauded Chinese phenomenal progress in all spheres of life specially science and technology and said nothing succeeds like success.

“We bask in your glory and Pakistan and every Pakistani is proud of success of China.”

He reiterated that the two sides have not been able to take advantage of the bilateral cordial ties, which he wants to take to new heights.

Representatives of Shanghai Institute of International Studies, Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences and Fudan University said Pakistan has played a positive role in the fight against terrorism and extremism.

They stressed that there should be an increased interaction between teachers, students, educational institutions and think tanks of the two countries.

They said these think tanks play a major role in guiding the government in framing their policies in various sectors as they do necessary research in their respective fields.