国内英语新闻:Pakistani youth delegation to visit China to boost exchanges

ISLAMABAD, April 18 (Xinhua) -- A 100-member-strong youth delegation of Pakistan is to leave for China on Sunday on a week-long visit as a program of boosting exchanges between the two friendly countries.

    "The youths from all walks of life of Pakistan will have the chance to look at China and know more about China," said Charge d'Affairs Yao Jing of Chinese Embassy in Pakistan told youth delegation at a reception.

    Chinese President Hu Jintao invited 500 young people from Pakistan to visit China within five years when he paid a state visit to Pakistan in November, 2006. The program was launched in 2007.

    The program is aimed at "increasing mutual understanding" between the two countries and peoples, said Yao.

    Ullah Saif Shervani, secretary of Pakistani Ministry of Youth Affairs, expressed the hope that the delegation members could take the opportunity to learn from "friendly China" and help enhance "time-tested friendship" between the two countries.

    "I appreciate the Chinese government for the chance to visit," said Adil Taj, an university student in Islamabad. "We will work hard to make our own contribution to Pakistan-China friendship."

    The youth delegation is scheduled to visit Beijing, Urumqi and Lanzhou from April 19 to 27.