Islamabad (Agencies): Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday left for China on a four-day official visit.
PM Khan is visiting the country on the invitation of President Xi Jinping to attend the Second Belt and Road Forum in Beijing on Friday.
Before leaving for Beijing, the prime minister stated that his visit will be instrumental to further expanding the scope and depth of the bilateral ties.
The PM said China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a flagship project of Belt and Road Initiative ((BRI)) and it will remain the top priority of his government.
“In Phase II of CPEC, we are jointly focusing on socio-economic development, job creation, livelihood projects and accelerating cooperation in agriculture and industrial cooperation including Special Economic Zones”, Imran Khan said.
“China is our closest friend and iron brother. I look forward to meet my good friends President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang for an in-depth exchange of views on all issues of mutual interest”, the PM added.
The prime minister said it is a matter of great satisfaction for him that Pakistan-China bilateral ties are not only based on convergence of interests but are rooted in common experiences of past and high level of mutual trust and understanding.
“This friendship is ingrained in the hearts and minds of our people. It would remain unaffected by any regional and international developments”, PM Imran said.
The PM endorsed China's vision of a peaceful world based on win-win cooperation and community of shared destiny and a new model of development envisioned in President Xi's Belt and Road Initiative.
Imran Khan will deliver a keynote speech in the opening ceremony of the Forum on Friday. He will also attend Leaders' Roundtable with leaders from around thirty-eight countries.
Prime Minister Imran Khan will also hold meetings with several heads of state and government, including President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang, and corporate and business leaders on the sidelines of the Second Belt and Road Forum.
Meanwhile, Pakistan and China will also sign several memoranda of understanding and agreements to enhance bilateral cooperation in diverse areas.
PM Imran will also address a Pakistan Business and Investment Forum on Sunday, which will be attended by prominent Pakistani and Chinese businessmen.
He will also participate in Beijing International Horticultural Exhibition along with President Xi Jinping and other world leaders.
