Beijing: China and Pakistan are set to sign several economic agreements to cement their "all-weather" political and military ties during Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz's maiden visit to Beijing from Tuesday (Dec 14, 2004), diplomatic sources said in Beijing today (Dec 12, 2004).

The main objective of the official visit from December 14-18 will be to add the much-needed "economic content" to the bilateral relationship that was marked by "excellent" political understanding between the two sides, they said.

Aziz, a former Citibank executive, will be accompanied by a big Pakistani business delegation, sources said.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao will hold talks with Aziz and Chinese President and Communist Party general secretary Hu Jintao will also meet Aziz.

The two sides will discuss bilateral ties, regional and international issues of common concern, Chinese sources said.

China and Pakistan are traditionally friendly neighbours. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, both sides have always treated each other with mutual respect, trust and support and established an all-weather friendship and an all-round cooperative partnership, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Zhang Qiyue said.

"We are convinced Primer Minister Aziz's upcoming visit will further enhance China-Pakistan traditional friendship and promote our mutually-beneficial cooperation in all fields. We are looking forward to Prime Minister Aziz's visit," Zhang said.