ISLAMABAD, Dec 3: The chairman of National Committee of Chinese Political Consultative Conference, Jia Qinglin, was accorded a warm welcome when he arrived here on a four-day official visit on Wednesday.

Senate chairman MuhammadMian Soomro, Leader of House in the Senate, Wasim Sajjad, Chinese ambassador, Zhang Chunxiang, Parliamentarians, diplomats and senior officials received the distinguished guest at the airport.

In his arrival statement, Jia Qinglin said China and Pakistan were close and friendly neighbours.

The China-Pakistan all-round partnership of cooperation based on the five principles of peaceful coexistence has grown steadily and withstood the test of time, he added.

“Facts have proved that China-Pakistan friendship not only serves the fundamental interests of our two countries and two peoples, but also contributes to peace, stability and development in the region”, he added.

He said the purpose of his visit was to consolidate traditional friendship and promote mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.

During the visit, Jia Qinling will meet top Pakistani leadership and discuss with them bilateral cooperation as well as explore more avenues to further strengthen the existing friendly ties.

Jia Qinglin who is heading a 80-member delegation will visit Ghazi Barotha Power project, Heavy Mechanical Complex, Taxila Museum.

The Chairman of National Committee of Chinese Political Consultative Conference along with his delegation will also visit Lahore.—APP