Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi is scheduled to pay an official visit to China from 21-24 February 2010. This would be his first bilateral visit to China, during which, apart from talks with his counterpart Foreign Minister Yang Jeichi, he would call on the Chinese leadership as well as address business leaders, think tanks and members of the Pakistani community. The Foreign Minister would also travel to Shanghai, where he would visit the under construction Pakistan pavilion for the Shanghai Expo 2010. The visit also includes extensive interaction with the Chinese media.

Pakistan and China enjoy a multifaceted and multidimensional strategic partnership, based on mutual trust and mutuality of interests. Strengthening of cooperation with China is one of the key principles guiding Pakistan's foreign policy. China is a factor of stability in the region, and together two countries continue their common endeavours for building a better future for our people, and promoting international peace, stability and prosperity.

One of the prime features of the Sino-Pak relationship is frequent high-level contacts. The visit of the Foreign Minister would provide an opportunity for a comprehensive review of our cooperative partnership and exchange of views on regional and global developments. The visit would add further impetus to our close bilateral relations.

Islamabad

16 February 2010