Pakistan and China reaffirmed commitments to deepening strategic cooperation, focusing on strategic areas such as the economy, investment, and regional connectivity. This renewed commitment to partnership was underscored during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Qiang to Pakistan, an important moment in the long history of relations between the two nations.
Premier Li Qiang arrived in Pakistan on a four-day visit to attend the 23rd meeting of the Council of the Heads of Government of the SCO on 15 and 16 October. It would be his first visit to Pakistan as premier, within 11 years, since Li Keqiang visited in 2013. His visit is particularly timely, coming just over a week after an explosion near Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport on 6 October claimed three lives and left 11 injured, among whom was a Chinese citizen.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reportedly assured the Chinese delegation that he would oversee an investigation into the recent terror attack close to Karachi airport, further cementing Pakistan’s commitment to the security of Chinese nationals residing in the country. This visit saw PM Sharif virtually go on to unveil Gwadar International Airport as a “gift” from China representing the strength of their alliance.
This time, the historic get-together between President Asif Ali Zardari and Premier Li at the President’s House was significant when both leaders placed great emphasis on accelerating China-Pakistan Economic Corridor projects. He underlined that the friendship between their nations remains the cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy and called for opening up new channels to add strength to bilateral relations.
To that end, discussions also saw the strategic connectivity through infrastructure development to promote trade and people-to-people linkages on the part of President Zardari. He specifically urged Chinese corporations to invest in Pakistan as an investment opportunity, particularly through the Pakistan Stock Exchange, to iron out the economic relationship.
He expressed his condolence over the recent attack that targeted Chinese nationals, saying that enemies of the Pakistan-China partnership won’t succeed in their attempts to undermine CPEC projects or bilateral relations. The president reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to bringing the attackers to justice and enhancing security measures for Chinese workers in the country.
Premier Li Qiang said in his remarks that “good brothers, neighbors, partners, and friends” China and Pakistan are, praising the endurance of their friendship. He welcomed constant mutual support from the two countries and was convinced that their cooperation would continue its steady rise under the leadership of President Xi Jinping.
This, according to Premier Li, will be a strategic undertaking, and development projects under CPEC should be hastened as he feels them to be a necessity for regional economic integration. China, he says, is willing to promote greater investments by Chinese businesses in Pakistan as part of its effort towards supporting economic growth and infrastructure development in the country.
He particularly appreciated Pakistan’s consistency in support of major Chinese issues, including the One-China policy, Taiwan, Tibet, Xinjiang, Hong Kong, and the South China Sea. He assured President Zardari that China would continue to support Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in all international forums.
Later, President Zardari hosted a state luncheon in honor of Premier Li and his delegation. The ceremony witnessed the attendance of high-profile guests like Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gillani, and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir. Their attendance underscored the importance of the Pakistan-China partnership that continues to be an indispensable constituent of the foreign policies of both nations.
At a separate meeting, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq met Premier Li Qiang to discuss improvements in parliamentary and economic relations. “We take pride in our friendship with China,” Speaker Sadiq said. “Indeed, we view China as a trusted and sincere ally.” The two sides discussed key joint projects in the energy sector and enhancing cooperation in the spheres of technology and the digital economy.
Premier Li Qiang also echoed similar sentiments, saying that closer ties at the parliamentary level could make a big difference in bringing the two nations closer to each other. He appreciated the strategic significance of Pakistan in China’s regional diplomacy and lauded the nation for hosting the SCO summit, believing it would further boost regional cooperation.
The visit of Premier Li to Pakistan, full of diplomatic engagement and high-level discussions, speaks of renewed commitment from both nations to maintain, as well as expand, their all-weather strategic partnership. The focus on CPEC, regional connectivity, and mutual respect core issues speaks of the strength of their alliance.
As the visit proceeds, the mutual zeal of both Pakistan and China for building the relationship at new and greater heights makes way for even greater economic, political, and regional cooperation in the coming years.
Read About Foreign Dignitaries Arrive in Pakistan
To Read More: News