Thaindian News

Beijing, May 10 (IANS) Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani will pay an official visit to China from May 17 to May 20, a foreign ministry spokesperson said Tuesday.

Gilani’s visit to China takes place within days of Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden being shot dead inside Pakistan May 2 by US commandos. Islamabad has said that it was not informed by Washington about the assault.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Pakistan and is also known as the “China-Pakistan Friendship Year”, Xinhua quoted spokesperson Jiang Yu as saying at a news briefing.

Gilani will be arriving in China on the invitation of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao.

“The visit will be an important part of the activities both parties will undertake to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the forging of diplomatic ties,” Jiang said.

Chinese President Hu Jintao will meet Gilani and Wen will hold talks with his Pakistani counterpart, Jiang said.

Both parties will exchange views on deepening bilateral relations, promoting pragmatic cooperation in a wide range of areas and other international and regional issues of common concern, Jiang said.

Leaders of the two countries will witness the signing of cooperative agreements concerning economics, trade, finance and culture, Jiang said.

“China and Pakistan are good neighbours, friends, partners and brothers.

“The two countries have established an all-weather friendship and engaged in well-rounded cooperation, giving each other equal treatment, mutual respect and sincere support,” said Jiang.

“We are satisfied with the current state of the China-Pakistan relationship and are confident of its future,” Jiang added.