Islamabad: Chinese Prime minister Li Qiang and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif oversaw the signing of several key Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on Monday and virtually inaugurated Gwadar International Airport. The news was reported by a news agency on October 15.
As per details, the agreements cover various sectors and aim to strengthen bilateral cooperation during Premier Li’s official visit to Islamabad. At the signing ceremony, Premier Li described the completion of Gwadar Airport as a testament to the dedication and collaboration between both nations. He praised the efforts of both Pakistan and China in bringing the project to fruition and emphasised the importance of continued cooperation under CPEC’s second phase.
Premier Li arrived at Noor Khan Airbase earlier that day for his four-day official visit, welcomed with full honors, including a floral reception and a 21-gun salute. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif personally greeted Premier Li at the airbase and later hosted him at the Prime Minister’s House for a formal luncheon.
At the Prime Minister’s House, Premier Li was presented with a guard of honor by Pakistan’s armed forces, with the national anthems of both countries played during the welcome ceremony. The two leaders engaged in delegation-level talks focused on strengthening the strategic partnership between Pakistan and China. Discussions covered a wide range of bilateral, regional, and global issues, particularly enhancing collaboration under the second phase of CPEC.
During the meeting, Premier Li and Prime Minister Shehbaz discussed the timely completion of ongoing CPEC projects, especially in industrialization, agricultural modernisation, and science and technology. They acknowledged that CPEC’s second phase offers long-term socio-economic benefits for Pakistan and agreed to expedite development projects.
Prime Minister Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to ensuring the security of Chinese nationals and CPEC projects across the country. Premier Li praised Pakistan’s efforts and expressed confidence in the Pakistan-China relationship, referring to Pakistan as China’s “iron brother.”
In addition to the bilateral talks, both countries signed a series of MoUs aimed at furthering cooperation in trade, infrastructure, and development. These agreements are expected to enhance Pakistan’s industrial capacity and elevate its standing in global export markets.Premier Li expressed optimism about the future of Pakistan-China relations, highlighting the strong foundation of trust and cooperation. He also emphasised the importance of expanding Chinese investments in Pakistan, including the potential relocation of Chinese industries.
The visit, a key diplomatic moment for both nations, underlined the importance of high-level exchanges and deepening cooperation across multiple sectors. Premier Li’s delegation, including senior officials from China’s ministries of foreign affairs, trade, and national development, will remain in Pakistan until October 17, engaging in further discussions with Pakistani officials, including President Asif Ali Zardari and parliamentary leaders.
The agenda for the visit also includes addressing Pakistan’s power sector debts and exploring enhanced security measures for Chinese nationals working on CPEC projects.
