Chinese President Hu Jintao arrives in Islamabad on November 23 for a state visit to Pakistan, officials said. Hectic preparations are afoot in the federal capital to receive Hu Jintao, making his long-awaited visit a real success, bringing the decades' old Sino-Pak partnership to a new height. Officials said that the high-profile visit would reinforce that the two countries are tight with unswerving bonds of friendship, keeping joint stance on various issues of common concern to meet new challenges. Hu Jintao's talks with President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz will be highly significant for reinforcement of their strong commitment, working together as traditional allies in all fields of mutual interest, officials said. The talks are expected to give a new turn to their bilateral cooperation, since the two sides wish to lay greater emphasis on their trade and economic ties. The visit will be a continuation of regular consultation and contacts between the two countries at the highest level. Most recent visit to Pakistan was by Premier Wen Jiabao, during which a landmark Treaty of Friendship was signed. June this year, this treaty was unanimously endorsed by the Chinese Parliament, signaling strong commitment of the Chinese people to maintain the momentum of their evergreen friendship in the new century. Officials said friendship treaty reinforced the commitment of the two countries to help each other safeguarding their territorial integrity. Under this treaty, the two countries are bound to work as close allies against any foreign threat. On May 21, 1951, the two countries officially established their diplomatic relations. Since then, China and Pakistan have witnessed smooth development of friendly and neighborly relations as well as mutually beneficial cooperation. The visit will further push forward their strategic partnership, especially in the economic sector. During the visit, China will sign substantial agreements with Pakistan to push forward economic and trade ties.
