 "Chinese FM in Pakistan for bilateral talks")
Amid speculation that President Xi Jinping could be the chief guest at Pakistan's National Day parade, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi arrived here today to hold talks on key bilateral issues, including the strategic economic corridor project.
Wang, leading an eight-member delegation, will meet country's' top leadership including Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and President Mamnoon Hussain duirng his two-day visit.
The two sides are also likely to discuss the strategically important Pakistan-China economic corridor project.
Officials privately said efforts are afoot to persuade Xi to be the chief guest at the National Day military parade on March 23, to be held after a gap of seven years.
Official said the two sides will try to finalise the dates of President Xi's visit to Pakistan.
The reported visit comes in the backdrop of US President Barack Obama's participation in the January 26 Republic Day parade, his unprecedented second visit to India.
Xi's visit to Pakistan is due since he cancelled his tour to Islamabad in September over security concerns in the midst of political protests by cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf party.
It was the first time that a Chinese leader put off a visit to Pakistan, especially while visiting India.
The reports of Xi's visit followed the visit of Pakistan Army Chief Gen Raheel Sharif to China last month.
Gen Sharif's visit coincided with Obama's India tour, and raised concerns in China and Pakistan over Washington moving closer to New Delhi.
Duirng Wang's visit, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad would co-host the launch of Pakistan-China 'Year of Friendly Exchanges'.
The Chinese Foreign Minister will head to the UAE and Iran after concluding his Pakistan visit.
Wang, leading an eight-member delegation, will meet country's' top leadership including Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and President Mamnoon Hussain duirng his two-day visit.
The two sides are also likely to discuss the strategically important Pakistan-China economic corridor project.
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Pakistan's Foreign Office earlier said all aspects of the bilateral relationship, with a special focus on political, strategic and economic cooperation, would be reviewed and consolidated during the talks.
Officials privately said efforts are afoot to persuade Xi to be the chief guest at the National Day military parade on March 23, to be held after a gap of seven years.
Official said the two sides will try to finalise the dates of President Xi's visit to Pakistan.
The reported visit comes in the backdrop of US President Barack Obama's participation in the January 26 Republic Day parade, his unprecedented second visit to India.
Xi's visit to Pakistan is due since he cancelled his tour to Islamabad in September over security concerns in the midst of political protests by cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf party.
It was the first time that a Chinese leader put off a visit to Pakistan, especially while visiting India.
The reports of Xi's visit followed the visit of Pakistan Army Chief Gen Raheel Sharif to China last month.
Gen Sharif's visit coincided with Obama's India tour, and raised concerns in China and Pakistan over Washington moving closer to New Delhi.
Duirng Wang's visit, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad would co-host the launch of Pakistan-China 'Year of Friendly Exchanges'.
The Chinese Foreign Minister will head to the UAE and Iran after concluding his Pakistan visit.