FM Qureshi arrives in China for 'very important' visit

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi arrived in China on Thursday for an official day-long visit which he described as "very important".

According to Radio Pakistan, Pakistan's Ambassador in China Moeen-ul-Haq, along with officials from the Chinese foreign ministry received Qureshi at Hannan airport. 

Prior to his departure, the foreign minister had recorded a video message to discuss the purpose of the visit.

“I had a discussion regarding the China visit with Prime Minister Imran Khan yesterday [Wednesday]. Our delegation will convey the vision of Pakistan's political and military leadership,” the minister said in the  message.

"I hope my meeting with Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi will prove beneficial for both countries," he added.

During the visit, the foreign minister will hold meetings with the Chinese leadership and attend the second round of the 'Pak-China-Strategic Dialogue' in China.

Qureshi will lead the Pakistani delegation, while the Chinese delegation will be led by the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

The two countries will also focus on the promotion of bilateral cooperation in various fields, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Phase-II.

Read more: China provided $15mn aid to Pakistan to fight COVID-19: envoy

Qureshi is the first political figure to visit China since the coronavirus pandemic.

The Foreign Office in its statement said the visit would play an important role in further strengthening Pakistan-China “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership” and deepen strategic communication and coordination with China on a range of issues.

"Pakistan and China are the closest friends and staunch partners. Their time-tested friendship is based on unparalleled mutual trust, understanding, and commonality of interests. Both sides are fully committed to building closer China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future," read the official communique.