Pakistan's sacrifices in the global fight against terrorism should be recognized and respected by the international community, Wen said while addressing a joint session of Pakistan's National Assembly on the final day of his state visit to Pakistan.

"Pakistan was at the front of the international fight against terrorism and made big sacrifices and important contributions, which were obvious to all," Wen told lawmakers.

"The international community should affirm that and give great support as well as respect the path of development chosen by Pakistan." He said the fight against terrorism should not focus on specific religions or ethnic groups, but rather on eradicating the "root factors breeding terrorism."

Wen's comments appear part of China's strategy to lend support to old friend Pakistan, often criticized by the United States and many in the West as an unreliable, but necessary, ally in the war against the Taleban in Afghanistan.

"Strengthening and promoting strategic, brotherly relations is our joint strategic choice and they are in the interests of two countries and their people," Wen said.

While boosting trade and investment has been the main focus of Wen's visit - the first in five years by a Chinese premier - analysts say the trip is about more than money.

"It's a clear signal of China's growing, assertive diplomacy," said independent analyst Hamayoun Khan.

"They (China) do not want Pakistan to be entirely dependent on the United States and the International Monetary Fund, and then get dictation from them," Khan said.

"China's massive investment in this time proves two things. One is that China is a genuine ally of Pakistan, and second, it is a clear signal to the US that if the US supports India against China, China will support Pakistan."

During the visit, which followed a three-day trip to India, the two countries signed commercial and trade deals worth at least $25 billion.

By comparison, Wen signed $16 billion in deals in India before arriving in Islamabad on Friday.

Analysts say China is investing in Pakistan to such a large degree for two reasons: Because it sees the country as a genuine friend, and because it irks India.

Wen Sunday predicted "sustained growth of our economic and trade ties" as the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Beijing and Islamabad approached.

He welcomed Pakistani efforts to increase exports to China and said the two countries would explore the possibility of a currency swap agreement.

"The future of economic cooperation between the two countries is very bright," Wen said. "China is Pakistan's all-weather strategic partner."

Wen pledged, "China will remain steadfast in its support to Pakistan and will expect the same from the international community."

"The people of Pakistan will surely overcome (their) difficulties," he added.

Though not specifically mentioned, behind-the-scenes talks had been expected on China's help in building a nuclear power plant as part of Pakistani plans to produce 8,000 megawatts of electricity by 2025 to make up its energy shortfall.

China is the main supplier of defense and military hardware to Pakistan. China has also helped Pakistan to build its main nuclear power generation facility and is helping build another one.

China wants to use Pakistan as a gateway to the Muslim world and as a new Silk Road for China's energy-hungry interior, as well as a balance against India's military rise.

Pakistan, in turn, plans to further rely on China for the bulk of its weapon systems, as a major investor for its ports and roads, and as a counterweight to American demands and conditions in the fight against militancy.

— With input from agencies