At the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chinese Premier Li Qiang recently paid an official visit to Pakistan, where he attended the 23rd Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Premier Li’s visit concluded successfully, and in recognition of this achievement, Ambassador Jiang Zaidong shared insights on the visit’s significance and outcomes.
Premier Li’s agenda was full, with high-level meetings and collaborative events. Upon arrival, he was welcomed by Prime Minister Shehbaz at the airport, signaling the importance of his visit. During his stay, Premier Li met with key Pakistani leaders, including President Zardari, Senate Chairman Gilani, and military leaders. His engagements included attendance at welcome banquets hosted by President Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz, signing cooperation agreements, and participating in the completion ceremony of the new Gwadar International Airport alongside Prime Minister Shehbaz.
The outcomes of Premier Li’s visit were substantial, focusing on three main areas: strengthening the enduring friendship between China and Pakistan, deepening practical cooperation across multiple sectors, and enhancing security collaboration.
Both countries issued a joint statement affirming their commitment to high-level political trust, practical cooperation, security, and international partnership. Additionally, 13 cooperation documents were signed, covering key areas like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), currency exchange, import requirements for Pakistani products, livelihood projects, science and technology, and television program production.
Key Areas of Cooperation
China and Pakistan are advancing major cooperative projects, notably the Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway upgrade and the Karakoram Highway realignment from Thakot to Raikot. The development of Gwadar Port will also continue, with both countries focused on maintaining steady progress in energy cooperation under CPEC. To support these projects, they will facilitate professional exchanges to improve the management and efficiency of Pakistan’s power systems.
China is committed to supporting Chinese enterprises investing in Pakistan’s Special Economic Zones, while encouraging Pakistan to create a favorable business environment. Efforts are also underway to accelerate mining investments, strengthen agricultural cooperation to help Pakistan achieve agricultural modernization, and advance free trade discussions aimed at expanding Pakistan’s exports to China.
China pledged continued support to Pakistan’s development, focusing on projects that improve livelihoods across various regions. Key areas of cooperation include healthcare, agriculture, education, climate change response, and disaster prevention. Training initiatives will also be accelerated, with plans to send 1,000 Pakistani students to China to study modern agriculture and assist Pakistan in developing its IT sector workforce.
The Chinese Embassy in Pakistan is committed to close coordination with Pakistani departments to achieve these shared objectives. Both nations are eager to ensure that the agreements made during Premier Li’s visit are implemented swiftly, bringing tangible benefits to both countries and reinforcing their strong, strategic relationship.
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