ISLAMABAD, March 18: Foreign Minister Khurshid Kasuri on Sunday left for Beijing on a two-day official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in the civil nuclear field, and bolstering economic relations.

This will be the first high-level political contact between the two countries after Chinese President Hu Jintao’s visit to Pakistan in November 2006. Also, it takes place ahead of Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz’s planned visit to China next month.

Foreign Minister Kasuri is accompanied by his director-general Khalid Mahmud. His official engagements in Beijing will start on Monday with delegation-level talks with his Chinese counterpart. A meeting with the Chinese premier is also likely.

Mr Kasuri will be leading a four-member delegation, including Pakistan’s Ambassador to China Salman Bashir, at the talks.

According to informed diplomatic sources, in the bilateral context, the focus would be on strengthening civil nuclear cooperation, early implementation of bilateral agreements signed last year and promotion of people-to-people contact.

A press release issued by the Foreign Minister’s office on Saturday said: “The foreign minister will share with his Chinese counterpart Pakistan’s perspective on the situation in Afghanistan and brief him on the progress in the composite dialogue process with India aimed at addressing all outstanding issues, including the issue of Jammu and Kashmir. The two foreign ministers will also discuss the latest developments with regard to Iran’s nuclear issue, situation in Iraq, Middle East peace process, UN Security Council reforms and other issues of regional and international importance.”

The press release said: “It will provide an opportunity to review progress in bilateral relations and consider ways and means of further strengthening cooperation in diverse fields following the signing of 31 agreements recently.”

It added: “The visit will provide an opportunity to review the entire range of bilateral cooperation in trade, economic projects, joint ventures, investment, defence, youth, culture and tourism and political spheres.”

During his visit, Mr Kasuri will also make a policy address at the Beijing University on Pakistan’s perspective on “Peace, Security and Development”. He is also expected to meet a cross-section of Chinese think-tanks and other personalities.