Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz Tuesday described Pakistan and China as "strategic partners" and said his China tour will give a further boost to ties between the two countries.

Talking to reporters before leaving for Beijing on a four-day official visit, the prime minister praised China for its support for the growth and development of Pakistan.

"Pakistan and China are close friends, we are strategic partners and our relations transcends many areas," he said.

The prime minister said during the visit he will meet the Chinese leadership, members of the civil society and the business community.

"We will discuss on political, economic, diplomatic and other issues so that we can take our friendship to greater heights," he noted.

The prime minister said Chinese companies' investments in Pakistan are increasing and the two-way trade and investment ties are on the rise.

Aziz said Pakistan's consulate in Shanghai is being opened, which will be another milestone in the development of relations between "the two time-tested friends."

The prime minister is expected to call on Chinese President Hu Jintao, Premier Wen Jiabao, Chairman of Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Jia Qinglin, and Vice Premier Wu Yi in Beijing.

The prime minister is also scheduled to meet people of Chinese business community and will address Qinghua University in Beijing.