PM Shehbaz welcomes Chinese counterpart, hopes to strengthen bilateral ties

As the esteemed Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang graced Pakistan with his presence on Monday, Premier Shehbaz Sharif conveyed his optimism for a "productive" four-day bilateral visit with his Chinese counterpart.

Chinese Premier Li will attend the much anticipated Shangai Cooperation Organisation’s 23 moot in Islamabad on October 15 and 16.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed his counterpart with a 21-gun salute at Nur Khan Base, Rawalpindi. Both PMs will attend a ceremony where the memorandum of understanding about the Pak-China Corporation will be signed.

PM Sharif said it was very happy for him to welcome his Chinese counterpart, and they both were looking forward to a historic and productive visit.

Premier penned his sentiments on X, “Delighted to welcome H.E. Mr. Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of People’s Republic of China, to Islamabad! Looking forward to a historic & productive visit by my brother that will further strengthen and deepen our friendship.”

“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 & prosperity,” he added.

However, it is the first visit of any Chinese PM since 2013 to Pakistan, and it comes after the October 6 suicide attack at Jinnah International Airport Karachi, which left three Chinese and a Pakistani killed and several injured.

Earlier, China demanded an investigation into the matter and said that it would work with Pakistan to protect the safety and security of its countrymen.

Alongside, Premier Li, several delegations from different countries will come to Islamabad to attend the meeting. 

According to FO, a four-member delegation from India, 76 delegates from Russia, 15 representatives from China, a two-member team from Iran and a four-member delegation from Kyrgyzstan reached Islamabad on Sunday.

Chinese premier accompanied by ministers and senior officials, including from ministries of foreign affairs and commerce, the National Development and Reform Commission, and the China International Development Cooperation Agency.