He made the remarks while meeting Sartaj Aziz, special advisor on foreign affairs and national security to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, on the sidelines of the ongoing Shanghai Cooperation Organization leaders' summit.

China and Pakistan are "all-weather" friends, and always understand and support each other, Xi said. China gives priority to China-Pakistan ties in its foreign policy and is committed to push forward the development of their strategic partnership.

"I am always looking forward to visiting Pakistan, and hope can make the visit at an early date," said Xi who added that Sharif is welcome to visit Beijing and join meetings during the APEC meeting in November, and looks forward to seeing him then.

As for the current security situation in Pakistan, Xi said China hopes parties can solve their dispute through coordination and dialogue as soon as possible, while bearing in mind the interests of the state, the people and the safeguarding of national security.

Xi also announced that China would provide further aid to Pakistan for its flood disaster-relief work. Aziz said Pakistan thanks China for its understanding and support, and the condolences as well as aid China provides for flood disaster work.

Pakistan and its people are looking forward to Xi's state visit and believe the visit will fuel their cooperation and lift bilateral ties to a new level, Aziz said.

Earlier this month, Pakistan announced that Xi's visit to Islamabad had been delayed in the wake of demonstrations being staged in the federal capital.

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