Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan made the announcement in Beijing Tuesday at the regular press conference, saying it will be the first visit to China by the head of the new Pakistani government.

He said that, during the visit, Jamali will exchange in-depth views with Chinese leaders on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of common concern.

This visit will contribute to expanding the range of common views, consolidating the traditional bilateral friendship and advancing the development of bilateral relations, noted Kong.

He said China and Pakistan are friendly neighbors, and during the 52 years of diplomatic relations, they have, on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence, established and developed a comprehensive cooperative partnership, achieving mutually beneficial cooperation in a variety of fields.

(Xinhua News Agency March 19, 2003)