Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao arrives in Pakistan on 3-day visit

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao was accorded a red carpet welcome as he arrived in Pakistan today on a three-day visit for wide-ranging talks on key issues, especially the enhancement of economic ties.

Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and members of his cabinet welcomed Wen on his arrival at the Chaklala military airbase near Islamabad.

The three service chiefs and chairman of the joint chiefs of staff committee too were present at the airbase to receive the premier.

Wen's aircraft was escorted into Pakistani airspace by two JF-17 combat jets that were jointly developed by Pakistan and China.

He was given a 21-gun salute and presented a guard of honour by a contingent of Pakistani forces at the airport. State-run PTV and private news channels beamed the welcome ceremony live.

Two children presented a bouquet to Wen and the national anthems of the two countries were played on the occasion.

Wen will hold bilateral talks with Gilani later today, officials said.

The talks at the prime minister's house will be followed by the signing of about 20 agreements and memorandums of understandings for cooperation in areas like economy, energy and communications.

A 250-member delegation of businessmen is accompanying Wen, who travelled to Islamabad after a three-day visit to India.

The businessmen will take part in a meeting with their Pakistani counterparts tomorrow.

Both prime ministers will attend the meeting.

Wen will meet President Asif Ali Zardari tomorrow evening.

Zardari will host a banquet for the Chinese leader that is expected to be attended by all of Pakistan's top political leaders, including those from the opposition.

The Chinese premier will address a joint session of parliament on December 19 besides interacting with the Pakistani media and people from different walks of life.

He will leave Pakistan on Sunday afternoon.

According to Pakistan's ambassador to China Masood Khan, both countries will form an energy working group to enhance cooperation in oil, gas, coal and conventional power.

A maritime cooperation agreement too will be signed.

Projects worth up to $20 billion have been completed in Pakistan with Chinese help.

Work on projects worth $14 billion is underway while agreements for projects worth another $20 billion will be signed during Wen's visit.

Pakistan is China's second largest trading partner in South Asia and China is Pakistan's third largest trading partner, third largest import source and fifth largest export market.

The trade volume between China and Pakistan during January-September totalled $6.22 billion, up 29.9% for the same period last year.