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Chinese Premier Li Qiang Arrives for Landmark Pakistan Visit Ahead of SCO Summit
Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrives in Pakistan for a historic visit, attending the 23rd SCO summit and strengthening China-Pakistan ties.
ND
by News Desk
2024-10-14
Chinese Premier Li Qiang Arrives for Landmark Pakistan Visit Ahead of SCO Summit

Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrived in Pakistan on Monday for a landmark four-day visit, during which he is expected to deepen bilateral cooperation and attend the highly anticipated 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting. His arrival marks the first visit by a Chinese premier to Pakistan in 11 years, following Li Keqiang's trip in 2013. The visit comes at a critical time for both countries as they seek to enhance regional cooperation and address security concerns.

 

Premier Li was warmly welcomed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at Rawalpindi’s Nur Khan Airbase, where he was greeted with a 21-gun salute. High-ranking officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, were also present for the occasion. Shortly after Li’s arrival, PM Shehbaz expressed optimism about the visit, calling it "historic and productive" and highlighting the strengthening of the "Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership."

 

The Chinese premier’s visit is primarily focused on reviewing the progress of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and signing several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) that aim to further bolster cooperation between the two nations. One of the key highlights will be the virtual inauguration of the $200-million Gwadar International Airport, which had been delayed due to recent security concerns in Balochistan. CPEC-2, an extension of the current initiative, is expected to be a central topic in discussions.

 

Premier Li's arrival comes just days ahead of the SCO meeting on October 15-16, which Pakistan is hosting under stringent security measures. The event is expected to bring together heads of government from member nations including China, Russia, and several Central Asian countries. Pakistan has declared a three-day public holiday in Islamabad, closing schools and businesses, while large contingents of police and paramilitary forces have been deployed across the capital.

 

During his stay, Premier Li is also scheduled to meet Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari, parliamentary leaders, and key military officials to discuss mutual interests, regional security, and future development strategies. His visit follows a suicide attack on October 6 near Karachi's Jinnah International Airport, which resulted in the deaths of two Chinese nationals. In response to the attack, PM Shehbaz assured China that he would personally oversee the investigation to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens and projects in Pakistan.

 

The Foreign Office (FO) described Premier Li’s visit as a testament to the "All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership" between Pakistan and China. According to the FO, the visit will help advance high-quality development under CPEC and reinforce mutual support on issues of core interest between the two nations. The Chinese premier is accompanied by ministers and senior officials, including representatives from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Commerce, and the China International Development Cooperation Agency.

 

The SCO summit, which will be chaired by PM Shehbaz in his capacity as the current Chair of the Council of Heads of Government (CHG), is seen as a significant opportunity for Pakistan to position itself as a trade hub for Central Asia. The summit will focus on enhancing regional cooperation, trade, financial integrity, and cultural exchanges among member states, with an emphasis on promoting economic integration and prosperity in the region.

 

Dignitaries from several SCO member states, including Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, have already arrived in Islamabad. Among the key participants are India's Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, who has said that bilateral relations will not be discussed during the summit. Iran's First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref and the prime ministers of Mongolia and Uzbekistan will also attend the meeting.

 

As Pakistan hosts the SCO summit, it aims to enhance its regional profile and solidify its role as a crucial player in Central Asia’s growing economic landscape. The government has expressed confidence that the summit will pave the way for new partnerships, regional stability, and a brighter future for Pakistan.

 
Tagged:

cpec

RegionalCooperation

SCO2024

PakChinaFriendship

GwadarAirport

ChinaPakistanTies
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