Chinese Premier Li Qiang Receives Red Carpet Welcome on Historic Visit to Pakistan

Premier of the State Council of China, Li Qiang, arrived in Pakistan on Monday for a four-day official visit, marking the first visit by a Chinese premier to the country in 11 years. Li was warmly welcomed at Islamabad’s airport by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, alongside senior government officials and members of the federal cabinet.

Accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising ministers and senior officials from the ministries of foreign affairs, commerce, the National Development and Reform Commission, and the China International Development Cooperation Agency, Premier Li’s visit is aimed at strengthening Pakistan-China ties and participating in the 23rd Council of Heads of Government meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

Upon his arrival, Premier Li was greeted with a 21-gun salute, and two children in traditional Pakistani attire presented bouquets. The Pakistan Armed Forces’ static guards rendered a formal salute to the visiting dignitary. The route of his motorcade, along with major intersections in the federal capital, was adorned with flags of Pakistan and China, as well as banners celebrating the countries’ long-standing friendship.

During his visit, Premier Li will meet with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister’s House for a formal welcome ceremony, which will include a guard of honor. The two leaders will engage in delegation-level talks focused on enhancing Pakistan-China relations, with a particular emphasis on economic and trade cooperation under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) are expected to be signed, covering CPEC-II and other major initiatives.

Premier Li will also virtually inaugurate the new Gwadar International Airport and hold meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari, parliamentary leaders, and senior military officials. Additionally, he will participate in the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting, set to take place in Islamabad from October 15-16.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his enthusiasm for the visit, calling it a “historic and productive” opportunity to further deepen the strategic partnership between the two nations. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he highlighted the importance of Pakistan-China cooperation, stating, “We will review progress on existing initiatives, especially CPEC, and explore new avenues of mutually beneficial cooperation. The Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership is a cornerstone of regional stability and prosperity.”

The visit underscores the time-tested and enduring relationship between Pakistan and China, which continues to play a key role in regional peace and economic development.