Islamabad, October 14, 2024 – The Europe Today: Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrived in Rawalpindi on Monday for a four-day official visit to Pakistan, during which he will engage in comprehensive discussions with Pakistani officials on a range of bilateral and multilateral issues. His visit, which precedes the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, is at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Upon his arrival, Premier Li expressed appreciation for the warm hospitality extended by Pakistan, stating: “As soon as I stepped off the plane, I was greeted with the warm hospitality of the Pakistani side and impressed by the profound brotherly friendship between our peoples.” He conveyed greetings from the Chinese government and expressed China’s commitment to deepening its strategic partnership with Pakistan.
Highlighting Pakistan’s significance as an emerging market, a major Muslim country, and China’s all-weather strategic cooperative partner, Premier Li emphasized that both countries are on paths of reform and development. “China is now further deepening reform comprehensively and advancing Chinese modernisation on all fronts through high-quality development. Pakistan is also committed to its reform and development endeavour,” he remarked.
During the visit, Premier Li and Prime Minister Shehbaz will lead their respective delegations in high-level talks aimed at further enhancing the economic, trade, and strategic ties between the two nations, particularly under the framework of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The discussions are expected to cover a broad spectrum of issues, including cooperation in infrastructure, energy, and trade.
In addition to his meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz, Premier Li will call on Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari and hold discussions with parliamentary leaders and senior military officials. The meetings aim to strengthen the already robust relationship between China and Pakistan.
Premier Li’s visit also coincides with the 23rd meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government, a major diplomatic gathering that will bring together leaders from across the region. Notable attendees include Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Iranian First Vice-President Mohammad Reza Aref, and Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, marking the first visit by an Indian foreign minister to Pakistan in nearly a decade.
The SCO, a major regional organization, consists of member states China, Russia, Pakistan, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus, with additional countries participating as observers or dialogue partners.
Premier Li’s visit is seen as a significant moment in Pakistan-China relations, reinforcing the deep and enduring partnership between the two countries.
