During Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s visit to Islamabad, Pakistan and China signed multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) across diverse sectors. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended a warm reception to Premier Li.
Additionally, the two leaders virtually inaugurated the Gwadar International Airport, a pivotal element of the extensive CPEC initiative. Premier Li hailed the airport’s completion as a crucial milestone, lauding the concerted efforts and dedication that brought the project to fruition.
Premier Li, who landed at Noor Khan Airbase for a four-day state visit, was accorded full honours, including a floral greeting and a 21-gun salute. Prime Minister Sharif personally welcomed him and later hosted a luncheon in his honour at the Prime Minister’s House.
A formal welcome ceremony at the Prime Minister’s House included the national anthems of both nations, followed by a guard of honour for Premier Li. Subsequent delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Sharif and Premier Li covered a spectrum of bilateral, regional, and global topics to enhance the Pakistan-China strategic partnership.
Both leaders emphasized the timely completion of ongoing projects in areas such as industrialization, agricultural modernization, and technology. The discussion underscored that CPEC cooperation has entered a new development phase, promising significant socio-economic benefits for Pakistan.
Prime Minister Sharif reassured Premier Li of Pakistan’s firm commitment to the safety of Chinese nationals and projects in Pakistan. The discussions also covered strategies to boost Chinese investments and the potential relocation of Chinese industries to Pakistan.
Following the talks, several MoUs were signed to strengthen cooperation in trade, infrastructure, and development sectors and deepen the longstanding partnership between the two nations.
Premier Li voiced optimism about the future of Pakistan-China relations, referring to Pakistan as China’s “iron brother” and expressing eagerness for deeper exchanges facilitated by his visit and the upcoming 23rd SCO meeting.
Premier Li’s visit, prompted by an invitation from Prime Minister Sharif, includes engagements with President Asif Ali Zardari and key Pakistani leaders and officials. It focuses on advancing CPEC cooperation and addressing the security needs of Chinese nationals, particularly following a recent terrorist attack in Karachi.
Read: Premier Li Qiang’s Bilateral Visit to Islamabad Amid SCO Summit
