ISLAMABAD, Nov 23: Chinese President Hu Jintao arrived here on Thursday evening to a warm, vibrant and colourful welcome on his first visit to Pakistan heralding a new era in bilateral relations.

This is the first visit by a Chinese president to Pakistan in 10 years and it marks the high point in the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

On arrival at the Chaklala Airbase, President Hu was greeted by President Gen Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz amid much fanfare and festivity.

President Hu was given the ceremonial guard of honour with a 21-gun salute when he arrived to a red carpet welcome. In his statement on the occasion, President Hu said his visit was aimed at deepening Sino-Pakistan friendship and cooperation.

He will hold formal talks with President Musharraf on Friday morning which will be followed by signing of several agreements. The two presidents will later hold a joint press conference.

President Hu will meet Prime Minister Aziz later in the day.

Also on Chinese president’s agenda is his address to the people of Pakistan from the Convention Centre.

On Saturday, he will proceed to Lahore.

“The visit would help further strengthen the relations and set out a clear trajectory for cooperation between the two countries in the 21st century,” Foreign Office Spokesperson Tasnim Aslam said ahead of the Chinese leader’s arrival.