Chinese Premier Li Keqiang due in Pakistan on Wednesday

ISLAMABAD, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang will pay an official visit to Pakistan from May 22-23, the Foreign Ministry said Tuesday.

It is the first visit of Premier Li Keqiang to Pakistan after he became premier of the People's Republic of China.

"The visit takes place immediately after the democratic elections in Pakistan. It will provide an opportunity to Premier Li to meet the new political leadership in Pakistan," a Foreign ministry statement said.

"Premier Li Keqiang's visit will also provide further impetus to our strategic cooperation. The friendly ties and the friendship with China is the cornerstone of Pakistan's foreign policy," it said.

Upon his arrival on Wednesday, the Chinese premier will meet President Asif Ali Zardari who will host a luncheon in his honor.

The prime minister will host a banquet for the Chinese premier in the evening.

In addition to bilateral meetings with the Pakistani president and prime minister, Premier Li Keqiang will hold a joint meeting with chairman of Senate and speaker of National Assembly and also address the Senate. Leaders of the political parties will also meet the Chinese premier, the Foreign Ministry said.

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