Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued an important statement regarding the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif to China. On the invitation of Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang, the Prime Minister is undertaking a five day visit to China from 4th of next month. According to the Chinese Foreign Office, this will be the first visit of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif to China after establishing the present government in Pakistan. During his visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will meet President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang and National People's Congress Standing Committee Chairman Zhao Leji. The leaders of the two countries will discuss bilateral relations and areas of mutual interest. They will also develop a joint plan of action for bolstering bilateral ties. The Prime Minister will also visit the Chinese provinces of Guangdong and Shaanxi. The spokesperson of Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said that the friendship between both countries is based on long-term strategic cooperation and they are important partners and strong friends. Meanwhile, China has compared its friendship with Pakistan to Mount Tai and compared it to its stability and strength. Mount Tai is regarded as the highest point of Shandong province and one of the five sacred mountains that hold a key role in Chinese religion. As per historical records, Mount Tai became a sacred site during the reign of the Zhou Dynasty before 1000 BC. Source: Radio Pakistan