Islamabad: In a significant development, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan hosted Mr. Li Qiang, Premier of the People’s Republic of China, on an official visit from October 14 to 15, 2024, upon the invitation of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. This visit, marked by comprehensive talks with top Pakistani officials, underscored the deepening of the strategic partnership between the two nations, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to furthering cooperation across a multitude of sectors.
According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs, extensive discussions were held involving key Pakistani and Chinese leaders, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, and other high-ranking officials. The dialogue yielded a substantial consensus on boosting the Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership, primarily focusing on enhancing practical cooperation in various domains and reinforcing mutual interests on global platforms.
The two countries praised the enduring strength of their bilateral ties, acknowledging the significant progress made since President Xi Jinping’s historic state visit to Pakistan in 2015. The visit by Premier Li Qiang followed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent successful trip to China in June 2024, which had already fortified political trust and strategic coordination between the two states.
During discussions, both nations reasserted their support for major global initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping, such as the Belt and Road Initiative and other global development and security strategies, aiming to foster a multipolar world and inclusive economic globalization. In a unified stance, Pakistan and China denounced any efforts to disrupt their bilateral cooperation, emphasizing the strategic significance of their relationship amid a rapidly changing global landscape.
Furthermore, the visit saw the reaffirmation of support for each other’s core interests and major concerns, with Pakistan endorsing China’s positions on Taiwan, Xinjiang, Tibet, Hong Kong, and the South China Sea, while China reciprocated with unwavering support for Pakistan’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.
Key agreements included advancing major infrastructural projects like the ML-1 railway upgrade and developments around the Gwadar Port, intended to enhance regional connectivity and economic integration. The leaders also witnessed the completion of the New Gwadar International Airport, symbolizing the tangible benefits of their robust cooperation.
The joint statement also highlighted several initiatives to strengthen sectoral cooperation, including energy, agriculture, and technological development, aiming to harness each country’s strengths for mutual benefit. This visit not only reinforced the strategic alignment between Pakistan and China but also set a definitive course for future collaboration aimed at achieving shared prosperity and regional stability.