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Pakistan, China Reaffirm Strategic Partnership as Premier Li Qiang Visits
Pakistan and China reaffirm their strong strategic cooperation during Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s visit, with a focus on CPEC projects, investment, and regional connectivity.
ND
by News Desk
2024-10-15
Pakistan, China Reaffirm Strategic Partnership as Premier Li Qiang Visits

Pakistan and China have reiterated their commitment to deepening strategic cooperation across key areas such as economy, investment, and regional connectivity. The announcement was made during the ongoing visit of Chinese Premier Li Qiang, who arrived in Pakistan on Monday for a four-day bilateral visit. His visit marks the first by a Chinese premier in 11 years, following Li Keqiang’s visit in May 2013.

 

Premier Li is also attending the 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting of the Council of the Heads of Government, scheduled for October 15-16 in Pakistan. The visit, which comes shortly after a tragic explosion near Jinnah International Airport on October 6, has heightened security across the nation. The blast claimed the lives of three people and injured at least 11 others, including a Chinese citizen. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has since assured China that he will personally oversee the investigation into this act of terrorism.

 

During Li Qiang’s meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday, PM Shehbaz virtually inaugurated the Gwadar International Airport, calling it a “gift” from Pakistan’s longstanding ally, China. The two leaders underscored the importance of furthering bilateral cooperation, with a special emphasis on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects.

 

In a separate meeting on Tuesday with President Asif Ali Zardari, the Chinese Premier discussed ways to expedite the implementation of CPEC-related development efforts. President Zardari welcomed the delegation, describing Pakistan’s friendship with China as a cornerstone of its foreign policy. He also highlighted the need to enhance connectivity between the two nations, especially through all-weather road networks, which could strengthen trade and people-to-people links.

 

President Zardari encouraged Chinese companies to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan, particularly in sectors like the Pakistan Stock Exchange. He stressed that now was the time to fully capitalize on China’s economic rise, particularly through projects such as CPEC and Gwadar Port.

 

Reflecting on his past visits to China, Zardari expressed his anticipation of an upcoming trip to the country in November. He noted that Pakistan had always benefited from China’s unwavering support on mutual issues, including the Kashmir dispute, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s stance on key Chinese concerns, including the One China policy and territorial issues related to Taiwan, Tibet, Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and the South China Sea.

 

Both leaders expressed their deep sorrow over the recent loss of Chinese lives in the Karachi terror attack, with President Zardari vowing to track down the perpetrators. He assured Premier Li that Pakistan would take every possible measure to enhance the security of Chinese nationals working on projects in the country, especially those connected to CPEC.

 

Premier Li Qiang echoed these sentiments, reaffirming that Pakistan and China remain steadfast partners and friends despite global challenges. He commended President Zardari’s role in strengthening bilateral ties and emphasized the need to accelerate CPEC projects for mutual benefit. The Chinese leader also reassured Pakistan of China’s continued support for its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and prosperity.

 

Li Qiang further emphasized that China would continue to encourage its companies to invest in Pakistan, expressing optimism about the future of the Pak-China strategic partnership.

 

The two leaders concluded their discussions with a state luncheon in honor of the visiting Chinese delegation.

 
Tagged:

Pakistan

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cpec

ShehbazSharif

AsifAliZardari

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