President Dr Arif Alvi reached Beijing on Monday to convey strong support and solidarity of Pakistan to the government and the people of China in its efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19.

At the airport, he was received by Chinese Minister for Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Han Changfu and Ambassador of Pakistan to China Naghmana Alamgir Hashmi.

The president was presented static guard by a smartly turned out contingent.

During the visit, the president will hold meetings with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping and leadership of the host country. Talking to media persons prior to departure, Dr Arif Alvi said he will also express condolence with the Chinese leadership over the loss of precious human lives due to this virus.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms, Asad Umar are accompanying the President. A number of MoUs are expected to be signed during the visit.

The visit will further strengthen the historic relations based on mutual trust and cooperation between the two brotherly countries.  This will be his first visit to China, which is singularly aimed at conveying strong support and solidarity of Pakistan to government and people of China while Beijing is resolutely engaged in efforts to contain the spread of Covid-19.