Chinese Premier arrives in Pak on two-day visit

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang was accorded a red carpet welcome as he arrived in Pakistan on Wednesday on a two-day maiden visit to "Iron Brother" for talks on bilateral and regional issues focusing economic cooperation. On Tuesday, Li lauded Pakistan, saying, "When it comes to Pakistan, the first word that comes to the mind of the Chinese is 'Iron Brother'."

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President Asif Ali Zardari and caretaker Prime Minister Mir Hazar Khan Khoso received the Chinese Premier on arrival at a military airbase near Islamabad. Li was presented a 19-gun salute and a guard of honour at the Islamabad Noor Khan Base, where all three services chiefs, high-level civil, military officials, diplomats and ministers were present on the occasion.
The 57-year-old Li is accompanied by a high-powered delegation which includes foreign minister Wang Yi, minister for commerce Gao Hucheng, and Xu Shaoshi, Chairman of the National Development Reform Commission, high ranking officials and leaders of the corporate sector.
Li will meet President Zardari who will host a luncheon at the Presidency later in the day. The Chinese Premier will also hold talks with the caretaker Prime Minister after which there will be a joint press stakeout. The Prime Minister will host a banquet for Li in the evening. Li will be presented Pakistan's highest civilian award 'Nishan-e-Pakistan'.
Premier Li will also hold a joint meeting with the chairman of the Senate and Speaker of the National Assembly and also address the Senate of Pakistan. Leaders of the political parties will also meet the Chinese Premier, the foreign ministry said.
Prime Minister-designate Nawaz Sharif will call on Li on Thursday. Many important agreements and MoUs in various sectors of the economy such as science and technology, space and upper atmosphere communication and energy would be signed during the visit of the Chinese Premier, the foreign ministry said.