Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif shakes hands with President Xi Jinping before a meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Nov. 8, 2014. (Photo : Reuters)
President Xi Jinping is set to make his first overseas trip this year to Pakistan as announced by Liu Jianchao, assistant foreign minister, during a news conference in Beijing.
The trip, which will start on April 20, Monday, is expected to produce extensive cooperation agreements which concern mostly the economic corridor that links the two countries, the China Daily reported.
The visit to Pakistan, the first one made by a Chinese head of state in nine years, is also believed to be related to Xi's energy and infrastructure projects worth $46 billion for the economic corridor which is a major part of China's Silk Road initiative.
Liu told the media that other agreements will also be signed by the two countries that will cover transportation, finance, trade and technology.
According to the Pakistan Observer, Xi will see the progress on the network of roads, railways and energy projects linking Pakistan's Gwadar Port with the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.
Liu said that China's financial support will benefit Pakistan's economic development.
The report said that the corridor project was first discussed by the countries in May 2013.
Pervez Shah, president of the All Pakistan-China Friendship Association, expressed support for the infrastructure development projects in the corridor, which he said will play a crucial role in the country's development.
Liu said the two leaders are also expected to discuss matters concerning the East Turkestan Islamic Movement, a terrorist group operating in Pakistan and seeking independence for Xinjiang, and enhance their security cooperation.
After the two-day visit, Xi will visit Indonesia to attend the Asian-African Summit and activities marking the 60th anniversary of the Bandung Conference from Tuesday to Friday.
