Pak PM Khan to make first trip to China next month

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will make his first official visit to China next month to enhance economic and strategic relations between the two all-weather allies.

The Foreign Office here said in a statement that Khan has been invited by the Chinese leadership for his first visit to the country from November 2-5. He will be accompanied by a high-level delegation including the foreign minister.

"The visit signifies the closeness and traditional warmth which characterises Pakistan-China all weather strategic cooperative partnership," the Foreign Office said.

Khan will hold meetings with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang and the two sides will review the entire range of bilateral relations which have a long history of mutual trust and support.

"The two sides will also sign several agreements/ MoUs of cooperation in diverse fields," it said.

After his visit to Beijing, Khan will visit Shanghai to participate in the first China International Import Expo in Shanghai, where Pakistan will exhibit a wide range of export products.

Khan will be a keynote speaker at the inauguration of the expo.

On the sidelines of Shanghai forum, the prime minister will hold meetings with other world leaders as well as Chinese financial and corporate leaders.

The FO said the traditionally close, cooperative and friendly ties between Pakistan and China are based on shared principles and mutual interests entailing close cooperation in diverse fields.

Both countries maintain close and regular strategic communication for promotion of regional peace and stability and economic cooperation, it said.

Economic and industrial cooperation between Pakistan and China has expanded significantly after the establishment of the USD 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Khan's visit is expected to provide further impetus to enhancing the existing strategic ties between Pakistan and China and break new ground for broadening the bilateral partnership, the FO said.