President Arif Alvi leaves for China on two-day visit amid coronavirus outbreak

• This visit of the president is aimed at conveying Pakistan's support towards China while it is resolutely engaged in efforts to deal with the spread of coronavirus.

President Dr Arif Alvi departed on Monday for China on his maiden visit amid coronavirus crisis.

The president is visiting China on the invitation of President Xi Jinping. Dr Alvi will be accompanied by a delegation including the Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives and senior officials.

During his two-day visit, the president will meet with President Xi Jinping and other Chinese leaders. A number of MoUs are expected to be signed, a statement by the Foreign Office (FO) said. This visit of the president is aimed at conveying strong support and solidarity of Pakistan towards the China while it is resolutely engaged in efforts to contain and deal with the spread of coronavirus.

The visit will also serve as an opportunity for the leadership of the two countries to review bilateral, regional and international issues.

"Pakistan and China are the closest friends and staunch partners. The two countries are joined together in an 'All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership'. This time-tested friendship is based on unparalleled mutual trust, understanding and commonality of interests," the FO statement concluded.