Gilani to visit China

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani is to visit China next week as Islamabad sinks deeper into a domestic and international crisis over the US killing of Osama bin Laden on its territory.

Gilani will begin the four-day visit on May 17 and hold talks with Chinese leaders on "important bilateral and region issues", a Pakistani government official said.

In Beijing, foreign ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu confirmed Gilani will meet President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao.

"Leaders of the two countries will exchange views on bilateral relations and promote practical cooperation across the border as well as other issues of common interest," she said.

The spokeswoman described China and Pakistan as "good neighbours, friends, partners and brothers".

"We are satisfied with the status quo of our bilateral relations and we are full of confidence in the prospects of China-Pakistan relations."

In a speech taking veiled swipes at the United States and denying charges of incompetence or complicity over bin Laden, Gilani on Monday hailed China as Pakistan's "all weather friend" during an address to parliament.

His praise of China as a "source of inspiration" was in marked contrast to his insistence to the United States that Pakistan reserves the right to "retaliate with full force" in case of a similar US operation in the future. (AFP)