BEIJING -- China and Pakistan have agreed to the postponement of President Xi Jinping' state visit to Pakistan, which was scheduled to take place later this month, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Saturday.

The two countries made the decision in view of the current political situation in Pakistan, spokesman Qin Gang said in a statement.

The two sides have maintained communication and made productive preparation for Xi's visit to Pakistan, Qin said, adding that new dates for Xi's visit, at an early date, are being finalized through diplomatic channels.

Both countries underline that China and Pakistan are time-tested all-weather friends, the spokesman said, stressing that the two attach great importance to Xi's Pakistan visit.

Both sides expect Xi will visit Pakistan as early as possible, for promoting China-Pakistan mutually beneficial cooperation, said Qin.

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