Pakistan`s China-made fighter jets to escort Li Keqiang`s plane

Islamabad: Six JF-17 Thunder jets of the Pakistan Air Force will escort Chinese Premier Li Keqiang`s aircraft when it enters Pakistani airspace tomorrow at the start of his two-day visit, symbolising the close links between the two sides in the defence and strategic sectors. The JF-17s, developed and built jointly by China and Pakistan, will guide the special Air China Boeing 747 aircraft to Nur Khan airbase, where a 21-gun salute will mark Li’s arrival, officials said.

The JF-17s will fly past the airbase as Li will be received by President Asif Ali Zardari and caretaker Prime Minister Mir Hazar Khan Khoso, they said. This is Li`s first visit to Pakistan since assuming office in March and a "warm welcome awaits him", said a statement from the Foreign Office. The visit will focus on "broadening the horizons of multi-faceted ties" between the two countries. Li`s visit is taking place at a time when Pakistan has elected new national and provincial assemblies and the PML-N party is set to form the new government. During his stay in Islamabad, Li will hold talks with Zardari and Khoso. Zardari will host a luncheon for Li to which the leaders of major political parties have been invited. The Prime Minister will also host a banquet for his Chinese counterpart. On the second day of his visit, PML-N chief and Prime Minister-designate Nawaz Sharif will meet Li. The two countries will also sign several memoranda of understanding for cooperation in different fields. Li will address the Senate on May 23. PTI