Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (C) is welcomed by Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari (L, front) and interim Prime Minister Mir Hazar Khan Khoso (R, front) upon his arrival in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan, May 22, 2013. Li Keqiang arrived here Wednesday for an official visit to Pakistan. (Xinhua/Ma Zhancheng)

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang arrived here Wednesday for an official visit to Pakistan, aiming to deepen traditional friendship between the two neighboring countries.

Li's plane was escorted by six fighter jets of the Pakistani air force when it entered the country's airspace.

The Chinese premier was warmly welcomed at the airport by Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and interim Prime Minister Mir Hazar Khan Khoso.

Li, accompanied by Pakistan's top leaders, inspected the honor guards, with a military band playing the national anthems of the two countries.

Pakistan is the second let of Li's first overseas trip since he assumed Chinese premiership in March. Li left Mumbai earlier in the day after concluding a visit to India.