Chinese Premier Li Qiang is on an official visit to Pakistan. On Tuesday, Li met with President Asif Ali Zardari, reaffirming China’s dedication to ongoing investment and strategic collaboration with the country.
A joint statement issued after their meeting underscored the “deep and enduring friendship” that exists between China and Pakistan.
Li Qiang arrived in Pakistan on Monday for a bilateral visit and to attend a heads-of-government meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) amid heightened security measures in Islamabad.
This visit marks the first by a Chinese premier to Pakistan in 11 years, as noted by the Prime Minister’s Office. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed Li at the Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi.
During the meeting, Premier Li highlighted the “strong brotherly, neighborly, and partner-like” bond shared between China and Pakistan.
He expressed that under President Xi Jinping’s guidance, the strategic cooperation between the two nations would continue to grow stronger.
Li acknowledged President Zardari’s role in enhancing bilateral relations, commending the “consistent mutual support” offered by both countries amid global challenges, and reiterated China’s commitment to elevating the partnership with Pakistan.
The Premier emphasized the urgency of advancing development projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and assured that “China will continue to support Chinese companies investing in Pakistan.”
He expressed confidence in the future enhancement of Pakistan-China relations, emphasizing China’s “unwavering support for Pakistan’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and prosperity.”
President Zardari at the Meeting with Li Qiang
President Zardari acknowledged the potential for further growth in bilateral relations, stressing the importance of increasing trade and people-to-people exchanges. He underscored the importance of China and its all weather partnership as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy.
Furthermore, he encouraged Chinese companies to seize investment opportunities in Pakistan, noting that it is an ideal time to leverage CPEC and Gwadar Port to benefit from China’s economic expansion. He also announced plans to visit China in November.
Zardari expressed his eagerness for continued dialogue to strengthen existing ties and reiterated Pakistan’s appreciation for China’s support on issues of mutual concern, particularly regarding Kashmir.
He conveyed deep condolences regarding a recent terrorist attack that resulted in the deaths of two Chinese citizens, labeling the incident a “tragedy for the entire nation” and emphasized that those who threaten the Pakistan-China friendship are “attempting to sabotage” bilateral relations by targeting Chinese nationals.
Zardari asserted that those aiming to undermine CPEC projects are also adversaries of this friendship and will ultimately fail in their harmful intentions.
Moreover, the president reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to bringing the attackers to justice and assured that all necessary steps would be taken to enhance the security of Chinese citizens in Pakistan.
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