TRADE & ECONOMY

Chinese PM Li Qiang Meets Pakistan's Military Leadership, Reaffirms Strategic Ties

Chinese PM Li Qiang, during his visit for the SCO summit, met with Pakistan's military leadership, reaffirming strong defense and counter-terrorism cooperation.
2024-10-15
Chinese PM Li Qiang Meets Pakistan's Military Leadership, Reaffirms Strategic Ties

Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang held a significant meeting with Pakistan’s top military leadership during his visit to Islamabad for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. In this high-level meeting, Prime Minister Li engaged with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and the service chiefs of Pakistan’s armed forces. Both nations reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to further strengthening and expanding their strategic partnership—a vital pillar of regional peace and stability.

 

Focus on Defense Cooperation and Counter-Terrorism

During the discussions, a wide range of critical issues were covered, with defense cooperation and counter-terrorism efforts being central to the dialogue. Prime Minister Li praised Pakistan’s military for its instrumental role in combating terrorism, particularly lauding the sacrifices made by the armed forces in ensuring peace and security in the region. He reiterated China’s unwavering support for Pakistan's anti-terrorism initiatives and emphasized the importance of close collaboration in addressing emerging security challenges.

 

China's Support in Key Projects

Earlier, on Monday, Prime Minister Li Qiang, while virtually inaugurating the New Gwadar International Airport, highlighted China’s enduring commitment to Pakistan’s development and prosperity. He described the bond between the two nations as "eternal" and noted that the completion of the new airport was a significant achievement under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The airport, Li emphasized, would enhance regional connectivity and drive international trade, accelerating development in Pakistan’s western regions, particularly Gwadar.

 

Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation

Following the inauguration, a series of memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were signed between Pakistan and China. These agreements span multiple sectors, including smart classroom initiatives, cooperation in water resources, and enhanced collaboration in information and communication technology (ICT). The ceremony highlighted the robust cooperation between the two countries, further solidifying their strategic partnership.

 

Conclusion

Prime Minister Li's visit to Islamabad and the agreements reached during the SCO summit reaffirm the deep-rooted ties between China and Pakistan, underpinned by mutual trust and cooperation. The two nations continue to collaborate across a range of fields, strengthening their partnership to tackle regional challenges and foster development.