Li Changchun arrives in Pakistan for official visit

At the invitations of the Pakistani government, Li Changchun, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), arrived Islamabad on Wednesday afternoon, starting his two-day official visit to the country.

Li delivered a written speech at the airport, applauding the robust growth of China-Pakistan relations, noting the bilateral cooperation serves the fundamental interests of the two peoples and help maintain the regional peace, stability and development.

"China always prioritizes its relations with Pakistan when dealing with foreign affairs," Li said, pledging that China is committed to further its pragmatic cooperation with Pakistan in various fields.

During his visit, Li is expected to meet Pakistani leaders including President Asif Ali Zardari and to participate in a series of public activities for strengthening bilateral strategic communication, expanding strategic mutual trust and boosting mutually beneficial cooperation to a higher level.

Pakistan is the first leg of Li's three-nation visit to South Asia. The trip will also bring him to the Maldives and Bangladesh.