ISLAMABAD: Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Sun Weidong has brushed aside Indian media reports which said that Chinese President Xi Jinping may not visit Pakistan next month and said a formal announcement of this visit is yet to be made.
A report published on Indian news website NDTV quoted officials as saying that Jinping is unlikely to visit Pakistan next month to be the chief guest at the Pakistan Day military parade.
Chinese officials said it is difficult as he is tied up with over a fortnight-long session of the Chinese parliament, the National People’s Congress (NPC).
Talking to Dawn at the Presidency where he came to attend a presidential reception in honour of visiting Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, the envoy said, “Chinese President would visit Pakistan this year at an early date which is still being worked out.”
He termed Indian media reports as rumours and said there is no authenticity.
Responding to a question about the Pak-China economic corridor project, the envoy emphasised for early completion of this project so that its dividends could reach people of both countries.
Last week, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi arrived in Pakistan on a two-day visit to hold bilateral talks, promote economic and trade cooperation and discuss the regional situation with the Pakistani leadership.
The Chinese foreign minister had also informed Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif that the purpose of his visit is to prepare for President Xi Jinping’s visit to Pakistan.
Jinping would, during his upcoming visit to Pakistan, discuss economic and security collaboration with Pakistani leaders, besides exchanging views on developments in the region.
