Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Shenzhen yesterday, kicking off a five-day official visit to China aimed at further strengthening bilateral ties.
The 72-year-old leader embarked on his first visit to China after he took over as prime minister for a second term in March.
At the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Sharif's visit will last until Saturday. Sharif is scheduled to attend the Pakistan China Business Conference in Shenzhen and visit several local institutions and enterprises today in a bid to promote friendly exchanges and practical cooperation between Pakistan and the city.
President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, will meet with Sharif in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said during a press briefing Friday.
The leaders of the two countries will exchange in-depth views on bilateral relations and issues of common concern, and they will jointly plan a blueprint for the future development of China-Pakistan relations, Mao said.
Shenzhen Party chief Meng Fanli met with Sharif in Nanshan District yesterday.
Meng said China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic cooperative partners that share an unbreakable ironclad friendship and strategic mutual trust. Shenzhen is honored to play a part in contributing to the healthy and robust growth of China-Pakistan relations.
Sharif said this visit to Shenzhen had brought back fond memories about his previous visit to the city years ago. He was impressed with the city's massive economic development, industrial growth, and scientific progress. The purpose of this visit is to seek expertise and support from Shenzhen to promote Pakistan's development in different sectors.
Sharif will also visit Northwest China's Shaanxi Province as part of his trip to China.
In an interview with Chinese media in Islamabad ahead of his China tour, Sharif said Pakistan is actively encouraging its young people to learn the Chinese language and study in China. It will also create a favorable environment for Chinese tourists to visit Pakistan for exchanges and cooperation.