Islamabad (TDI): Chinese Premier Li Qiang departed Pakistan on Wednesday after attending the 23rd meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
The two-day summit was held on October 15 and 16 at the Jinnah Convention Centre, Islamabad.
The moot was also attended by other SCO member states including Prime Minister of Belarus Roman Golovchenko, Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Tajik Prime Minister Kohir Rasulzoda, Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov, Kyrgyzstan’s Chairman of Ministers’ Cabinet Zhaparov Akylbek, Trade Minister of Iran Seyyed Mohammad Atabek, and Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.
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Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal bid farewell to the Chinese Premier at the Nur Khan Airbase.
“We look forward to welcoming you back to Pakistan soon,” Iqbal said as he saw off Premier Li.
The minister also underscored the importance of China-Pakistan relations. “CPEC is a milestone in Pak-China friendship, just like the Great Wall of China,” he added.
Premier Li Qiang acknowledged Ahsan Iqbal for his contributions to the success of CPEC and thanked him for his services in advancing the project.
“I will return to Pakistan soon,” Premier Li affirmed, emphasizing the deep bond between the two nations. “Pakistan is China’s iron brother,” he stated.
Read More: Pakistan, China to Discuss CPEC During PM Li Qiang’s Visit
The Chinese Premier also conveyed his appreciation for the hospitality extended by the people of Pakistan and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his visit.
“I thank the people of Pakistan and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for the remarkable hospitality,” Premier Li Qiang remarked before his departure.
