At the invitation of the government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Premier Li Keqiang of the State Council arrived at Nur Khan Air Force Airport in Islamabad by special plane in the morning of May 22, 2013, local time, starting his official visit to Pakistan.
On the day, Nur Khan Air Force Airport was filled with warm and friendly atmosphere, with the national flags of China and Pakistan flying in the wind. Li Keqiang's special plane was escorted throughout the journey by six Pakistani Air Force fighter jets when it entered Pakistan's territorial airspace. As Li Keqiang stepped out of the cabin door, gun salutes were fired and the Pakistani military aircrafts flew by to pay tribute to him. Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Interim Prime Minister Mir Hazar Khan Khoso warmly welcomed Li Keqiang for his visit, shaking hands with Li Keqiang and hugged him in front of the ladder. Two Pakistani children dressed in national costumes presented Li Keqiang the flower bouquet. Soon afterwards, the Pakistani side held a grand welcome ceremony at the airport. Li Keqiang, accompanied by President Zardari and Interim Prime Minister Khoso, mounted to the inspection platform and the military band played the national anthems of the two countries. Li Keqiang inspected the three-service Guard of Honour and shook hands with principal officials of Pakistan.
Li Keqiang delivered a written speech at the airport. He said that he has brought with him on his official visit the friendly feelings of the Chinese people to the Pakistani people, extending high esteem and best wishes to the Pakistani government and the people on behalf of the Chinese government and the people.
Li Keqiang noted that Pakistan, as a key Southern Asian country, has made important contributions to peace, stability and development in the region and the world. China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic partners. For the 62 years since the establishment of the diplomatic relationship, China and Pakistan have enjoyed equality and mutual trust in political affairs, mutual benefit and win-win results in economic areas, and mutual understanding and mutual support on issues concerning their respective core interests.
Li Keqiang stressed that it is the consistent policy of the Chinese government to develop a friendly relationship with Pakistan. No matter how the international and regional situation changes, the Chinese side will unswervingly consolidate and develop the China-Pakistan relations, as always firmly supporting Pakistan's efforts to preserve its sovereignty and territorial integrity and to realize national stability and development.
Li Keqiang said that he hopes to achieve the goal of carrying forward friendship, deepening cooperation and planning for the future through his visit. He is looking forward to exchanging in-depth views with the Pakistani leaders and the people from all walks of life over bilateral ties and issues of common concern, so as to push for new progress in the China-Pakistan strategic cooperative partnership.
During his visit, Li Keqiang will hold talks and meet respectively with President Zardari, Interim Prime Minister Khoso, as well as leaders from political parties, the parliament and the military, discussing with the Pakistani friends and delivering a speech in the country's parliament. China and Pakistan will as well sign a number of cooperation agreements in the fields of economy, trade, infrastructure and education.