Musharraf to undertake 5-day visit to China

Strengthening bilateral cooperation would figure during talks Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf will have with his Chinese counterpart during his five-day visit to the communist nation beginning February 19.

Musharraf has been invited by his Chinese counterpart, Hu Jintao, foreign ministry spokesman Kong Quan said describing the visit as "very important".

The Pakistani leader will also meet with other Chinese leaders during his visit starting from February 19 to 23, he told reporters at a bi-weekly news conference.

"Both sides are expected to exchange views on furthering bilateral friendly cooperative relations, the international situation and other issues of common concern," he said. Musharraf last visited Beijing in late 2003.