Chinese Premier's visit to open new vistas in time tested friendly ties
Source : Business Recorder Date : May 21, 2013
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ISLAMABAD: A warm welcome awaits Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang when he will set his foot on Pakistan's soil along with a delegation on two-day official visit on May 22.
The visit of Chinese Premier is aimed at further expanding and bolstering the Pak-China ties.
The visit of Li Keqiang, who assumed his office in March this year, is of much significance as the leadership of two countries will focus on broadening the horizons of multi-faceted ties enjoyed by the two friendly nations, which stood triumphant against all challenges.
Keqiang's visit is taking place at a time when the Pakistani nation has elected its representatives in the general elections-2013 and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), which has emerged as a majority party, is going to form a new government.
The visiting dignitary will focus on further solidifying the deeply rooted mutual trust, decades old cooperation, traditional relations and fast growing strategic ties.
Ki Keqiang will be presented a 21-gun salute and a guard of honour on his arrival at the Islamabad Noor Khan Base, where he will be warmly received by the Pakistani leadership.
All the routes from where the visiting dignitary and his entourage will pass have been decorated with welcome slogans, banners and portraits of the presidents, prime ministers of Pakistan and China.
During his stay in Pakistan, the Chinese Premier will meet President Asif Ali Zardari and caretaker Prime Minister Justice (retd) Mir Hazar Khan Khoso and discuss wide ranging issues of mutual interest.
President Zardari will host a luncheon for the distinguished guest in which all the major leadership of political parties has also been invited. The Prime Minister will also host a banquet for his Chinese counterpart.
On the second day of his visit, President of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz Mian Nawaz Sharif will meet Li Keqiang.
The two countries will also sign a number of memoranda of understanding for close cooperation in various fields.
The Chinese Premier will also address the Senate of Pakistan on May 23. He will also hold a joint meeting with the Senate Chairman and the Speaker National Assembly. Later, he will visit Pak-China Friendship Centre and witness a cultural show. He will plant a sapling at Shakarparian.
Vice-Foreign Minister Song Tao told reporters in Beijing that the Chinese Premier will meet leaders of the Pakistani parliament, political parties and military officials.
Premier Li will also deliver a speech on China-Pakistan relations and meet people, who have made significant contribution in consolidating Pakistan-China friendship and are engaged with people belonging to various segments of Pakistani society.
Premier Li Keqiang has chosen to visit Pakistan on his first overseas trip, which shows the importance that the Chinese government attaches to its relations with it, Song added.
Pak-China ties have always been on high note after forging of diplomatic relations by the two countries some 62 years back. They have seen a number of challenging scenarios at the global arena but they stood like a solid rock to safeguard their ever-expanding venues of cooperation in economic, defence and trade sectors.