Chinese Premier Li Qiang held talks with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, reaffirming China’s commitment to strengthening ties with Pakistan, according to a statement by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian on the ministry’s official social media handle X.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese Premier H.E. Li Qiang in delegation level talks on 14 October 2024.Courtesy: PM Office

In the statement, Lin Jian highlighted that China consistently prioritizes its relationship with Pakistan as a cornerstone of its foreign policy. Premier Li expressed China’s willingness to work closely with Pakistan to implement the key agreements reached by the two nations’ leaders.

The post further emphasized China’s readiness to enhance strategic coordination and deepen cooperation across various sectors. It expressed China’s intent to accelerate the development of a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era, as both nations strive together on the path of modernization.

Strengthening economic, security ties

During talks with Prime Minister Sharif, Premier Li stressed China’s commitment to strengthening cooperation under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and urged Pakistan to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel and projects in the country.

“We hope Pakistan will continue to provide a favorable business environment for Chinese companies,” Li said, according to a Chinese Foreign Ministry statement. He reaffirmed China’s support for Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts, pledging to help strengthen its capabilities in this area.

Li further underscored China’s readiness to collaborate with Pakistan in upgrading the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), speeding up major project construction, and enhancing industrial integration.

The Premier expressed China’s eagerness to work with all members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to advance the Shanghai Spirit, implement the outcomes of the Astana Summit, and enhance cooperation across various sectors.

President Zardari vows ‘enhanced security measures’ for Chinese nationals

President Asif Ali Zardari met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, where both nations reaffirmed their commitment to deepen
strategic cooperation in key areas such as the economy, investment, and
regional connectivity.

According to a statement, both sides emphasized the need to accelerate the
implementation of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects. President
Zardari stated that Pakistan views its friendship with China as a cornerstone
of its foreign policy and stressed the importance of exploring new avenues of
cooperation between the two nations.

The President also highlighted the potential for expanding
Pakistan-China relations and emphasized strengthening trade and
people-to-people ties through enhanced connectivity. He urged Chinese companies
to take advantage of investment opportunities in Pakistan, including those
offered by the Pakistan Stock Exchange.

President Zardari expressed his condolences over
the deaths of two Chinese citizens in a terrorist attack and vowed to enhance
security measures for Chinese nationals working in Pakistan. He reiterated
Pakistan’s commitment to punishing the perpetrators of the attack and
preventing future attempts to undermine Pakistan-China relations.

Pakistan’s military leadership meets Chinese PM

According to Xinhua, Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with Pakistan’s military leadership, including Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Army Chief General Asim Munir, Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf, and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar.

During the meeting, Li emphasized the enduring China-Pakistan partnership, which has weathered international challenges. He reiterated China’s commitment to deepening strategic coordination and cooperation, supporting Pakistan’s development, and enhancing military cooperation, particularly in counterterrorism efforts, to ensure regional peace and stability.

The Pakistani military reaffirmed its dedication to strengthening the “ironclad” friendship between the two nations, ensuring the safety of Chinese personnel and projects in Pakistan, and advancing defense and security cooperation within bilateral and multilateral frameworks.

Premier Li meets National Assembly Speaker

Speaker of Pakistan’s National Assembly, Ayaz Sadiq, met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang to discuss expanding trade relations and strengthening cooperation in key sectors, including education, science, energy, and technology.

Speaker National Assembly Ayaz Sadiq in a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang.

Courtesy: Senate Media Cell

Sadiq praised the longstanding Pakistan-China friendship and highlighted the significance of hosting the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit for promoting regional cooperation.

Both sides agreed to enhance parliamentary collaboration, with plans for future delegation exchanges. Sadiq described Premier Li’s visit as a significant step toward bolstering bilateral ties, particularly through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).