Pakistan's Chief Executive General Pervaiz Musharraf will pay a two-day visit to China from January 17 to 18. "The purpose of the visit is to reaffirm the close and friendly relations between the two countries," Pakistani Foreign Office spokesman Tariq Altaf declared on January 13.

The chief executive will be accompanied by the ministers of foreign affairs, finance and commerce.

"This will be the chief executive's first visit abroad in the new year as well as his first visit abroad outside the Islamic world," the spokesman said.

He said China is Pakistan's most trusted and close friend. "Our time-tested ties have gained strength and substance over the years," he said, adding "the chief executive's visit will make a signal contribution to further consolidation of these ties."

He said Pakistan-China relations remain a cornerstone of Pakistan's foreign policy.

Responding to a question, he said China was a close friend of Pakistan and, "we consult and cooperate on all issues of mutual interest."

Since he assumed power last October, General Musharraf has visited Saudi Arabia, Iran, Turkey and several other Islamic countries.