BEIJING, Feb. 17-- At the invitation of President Hu Jintao, Pakistani President Musharraf will pay a state visit to China from Feb. 19 to 23, the Foreign Ministry announce Thursday.

    President Pervez Musharraf's imminent visit to China will help push forward the Sino-Pakistan strategic partnership of cooperation, Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said at a regular press conference yesterday. 

    Qin said that during the president's stay in China, Musharraf and Chinese leaders will exchange in-depth views on promoting bilateral ties and on international and regional issues of common concern. The related departments from the two countries will sign some documents of cooperation.

    China and Pakistan are friendly neighbors which share all-weather friendship and all-scope cooperation, Qin said, noting the all-scope cooperation is also reflected in the cooperation between the two sides in combating the "three evil forces", namely terrorism, separatism and extremism.

    Qin said China and Pakistan in recent years have made sound cooperation and close coordination in cracking down on the "three evil forces".

    The two sides enjoy common interests in this field, and increasing cooperation between the two sides in this sphere is conducive to the peace and stability of the two nations and of the region, he noted.

    Pakistan is an observer country of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, which was established to safeguard regional peace, security and stability. "We expect more and increased cooperation with Pakistan in this field," Qin said.

    Noting that Sino-Pakistan relations have witnessed stable and healthy development in recent years, Qin said this year is the 55th anniversary of the forging of China-Pakistan diplomatic ties, and Musharraf's visit will unveil a series of events marking the anniversary.

    "I am convinced that Musharraf's visit to China will come to a successful ending," the spokesman said. Enditem