
A man walks next to huge portraits of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, right, and Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, left, displayed near the presidency in Islamabad, Pakistan. Keqiang will arrive in Islamabad on May 22 on a two day official visit to hold talks with Pakistani leadership to discuss international, regional issues and enhance co-operation in bilateral ties. (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed) (The Associated Press)
ISLAMABAD – Pakistan says it shares "identical views" on foreign policy with China, whose premier is beginning a two-day visit to Islamabad in the latest sign of the tight relationship between the two Asian powers.
Premier Li Keqiang arrived in Islamabad on Wednesday following a trip to Pakistan's neighbor and archenemy India.
A Pakistani Foreign Ministry statement described the two countries as "all weather friends."
Pakistan has historically viewed China as an important counterweight to the United States, which provides Pakistan with valuable aid but often pressures Islamabad to do more to crack down on Islamic militants.
The two countries will sign agreements related to energy, technology and space during Li's visit. Pakistan has major energy shortages.
Trade between Pakistan and China exceeded $12 billion in 2012.