Chinese Premier Li Qiang Visits Pakistan to Strengthen Bilateral Ties and Attend SCO Summit
Four-day visit includes meetings with Pakistan’s leadership and high-level SCO discussions
Chinese Premier Li Qiang Arrives in Pakistan for Four-Day Bilateral Visit, Attends SCO Meeting
Islamabad, Oct 14: Chinese Premier Li Qiang was greeted with a red carpet reception on Monday as he arrived in Islamabad for a four-day official visit, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting.
Accompanied by a high-ranking delegation of ministers and senior officials from various sectors, including foreign affairs, commerce, the National Development and Reform Commission, and the China International Development Cooperation Agency, Premier Li’s visit marks the first by a Chinese premier to Pakistan in 11 years.
Upon his arrival at the airport, Li Qiang was warmly welcomed by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, along with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, cabinet ministers, and senior officials. Two children, dressed in traditional Pakistani attire, presented bouquets to the visiting dignitary, as a 21-gun salute echoed in the background. A static guard of honor from the Pakistan armed forces saluted the Chinese premier.
The roads along the motorcade’s route, as well as key intersections in the capital, were adorned with flags of Pakistan and China, alongside banners celebrating the long-standing friendship between the two nations.
Premier Li is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the PM House, where a formal welcome ceremony and guard of honor will be conducted. Both leaders will engage in delegation-level talks focusing on all aspects of the Pakistan-China relationship, including economic ties, trade, and collaboration under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) are expected to be signed to enhance cooperation, particularly concerning CPEC Phase II and other major projects. Premier Li will also virtually inaugurate Gwadar International Airport.
Additionally, Premier Li will meet President Asif Ali Zardari, parliamentary leaders, and Pakistan’s senior military officials during his visit. He will also attend the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting, which is scheduled to take place in Islamabad on October 15-16.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif later expressed his optimism about the visit on social media, describing it as a “historic and productive” occasion that would further strengthen Pakistan-China ties. He emphasized the importance of their strategic partnership, stating, “We will review progress on existing initiatives, especially CPEC, and explore new avenues of mutually beneficial cooperation. The Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership is a cornerstone of regional stability and prosperity.”
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