Chinese PM Li Qiang arrives in Pakistan on a 4-day visit
Li’s visit to Pakistan is said to be the first by a Chinese premier in 11 years
Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrived in Pakistan on Monday for a four-day bilateral visit, which will also include his participation in the highly anticipated Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif received the esteemed Chinese guest upon his arrival at Noor Khan Airbase, Rawalpindi.
Chinese prime minister was welcomed with a 21-gun salute, PTV News reported.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and other top government officials were also present at the airport to welcome the guests.
In a statement shared after arrival, the Chinese premier said: “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.”
“On behalf of the Chinese government and people, I wish to convey cordial greetings and best wishes to the friendly Pakistani government and people,” said the Chinese dignitary.
He mentioned that Pakistan is an important developing country, an emerging market, and a major Muslim country. It is also, he said, China’s all-weather strategic cooperative partner and an ironclad friend.
“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,” added PM Li.
Shortly after Li’s arrival, PM Shehbaz Sharif in a statement shared on X-platform said that he was delighted to welcome his Chinese counterpart and looked forward to a “historic and productive visit”.
“We will review progress on existing initiatives, especially CPEC and also explore new avenues of mutually beneficial cooperation. Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership is a cornerstone of regional stability and prosperity,” he said on X.
The Chinese dignitary is visiting Pakistan at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and will stay here from October 14-17, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs notified.
Pakistan is preparing to host the 23rd meeting of the Council of the Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Islamabad, scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday.