China, Pakistan to bolster ties (2)

"Normally, foreign visitors don't go to countries during the interim setups, but China has recognized that the visit to Pakistan is necessary even at this stage, and that is why they have organized a separate one-on-one meeting with Nawaz Sharif," Fatemi told AFP.

Chinese Vice-Foreign Minister Song Tao told reporters ahead of the visit that the timing "fully reflects the deep mutual trust and special friendship" between the two neighbors.

Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said on the eve of the visit that friendly ties with China are the cornerstone of Pakistan's foreign policy.

Former Chinese ambassador to Pakistan Zhou Gang said Pakistan, which shares a 600-km border with China, has an important role in helping to keep stability in Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region and implementing China's strategy of developing the western region.

Wang Xu, a researcher in South Asian studies at Peking University, said the Pakistani manufacturing sector will be greatly boosted and updated if China can transfer some of its factories to its neighbor.

Wang said he believed changes in Pakistani politics will not affect relations, as "major Pakistani political parties all cherish the country's ties with China".

Pakistan is the second leg of Li's first overseas trip since he became premier in March. He left Mumbai earlier on Wednesday after a visit to India.

After entering Pakistani airspace, Li's plane was escorted by six JF-17 fighter jets from the country's air force. The JF-17 was jointly designed by the two nations.

When Li stepped from his plane, the JF-17s flew past the airbase, while a 21-gun salute heralded his arrival.

Zardari and Khoso greeted Li on the tarmac at Nur Khan air base and held a welcoming ceremony for him.

"The purpose of the visit is to devise a strategy to bolster future cooperation and friendship," Li said in an arrival statement.

He hailed Islamabad's "important contribution" in maintaining peace and stability and promoting development in the region and for the world.

China will "as always firmly support Pakistan's efforts to uphold independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and achieve national stability and development," he said.

Li on Wednesday also met leaders of Pakistan's political parties, and was conferred the Nishan-e-Pakistan honor, for the highest degree of service to the country, by Zardari and Khoso.

Zardari hosted a luncheon in Li's honor, while Khoso hosted a banquet for Li in the evening.

On Thursday, Li is scheduled to meet leaders of Pakistan's military, and address a special session of the country's senate.