Islamabad (TDI): Premier of the State Council of China Li Qiang on Monday said that China-Pakistan is ‘a good example of bilateral friendship’.
Talking to media after his arrival at Noor Khan air base, the premier appreciated the people of Pakistan for friendship and warm welcome.
He said that the two countries always supported each other. He said that people in China also love Pakistan and appreciate its people (sentiments for China) adding that Pakistan is an important developing country.
He further said that Pakistan is an emerging market and one of the largest Muslim countries.
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On his participation in the SCO meeting in Islamabad to be launched from tomorrow, he expressed his satisfaction and enthusiasm.
This is the first visit of any Chinese premier to Pakistan after 11 years.
Earlier, Li Qiang was accorded a red carpet as he arrived here on a four-day bilateral visit to meet Pakistan’s leadership and attend the meeting of the Council of the Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
He is being accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising ministers and senior officials including from the ministries of foreign affairs and commerce, the National Development and Reform Commission and the China International Development Cooperation Agency.
On his arrival at the airport, Premier Li was warmly received by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif along Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, other federal cabinet members and senior government officials.
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Clad in traditional Pakistani dresses, two children presented bouquets to the dignitary as a 21-gun salute in the backdrop heralded his arrival.
The static guards of Pakistan’s armed forces presented a salute to the dignitary.
His meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the PM House is expected soon.
They will hold delegation-level talks to discuss all aspects of Pakistan-China relations including matters pertaining to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to strengthen bilateral cooperation including CPEC-II and other mega projects is also scheduled.
The Chinese premier will also virtually inaugurate the Gwadar International Airport.
Premier Li meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari, parliamentarians and military leadership in Pakistan was also scheduled.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz wrote on his X timeline that he was looking forward to a “historic and productive” visit by Premier Li that would further strengthen and deepen the bilateral friendship.
“We will review progress on existing initiatives, especially CPEC and also explore new avenues of mutually beneficial cooperation. Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership is a cornerstone of regional stability and prosperity,” he remarked.
