Chinese PM Li Qiang Lands in Pakistan on Four Days for SCO Summit Discussions
Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrived in Rawalpindi on Monday for a four-day visit to Pakistan, where he will discuss a range of mutual interests with Pakistani officials. His visit, ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, is in response to an invitation from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. During his stay from October 14-17, Premier Li will engage in high-level talks, covering economic, trade, and strategic ties, particularly focusing on cooperation under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
P.c. China Pakistan Economic Corridor
Upon his arrival, Premier Li expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality and highlighted the enduring brotherly bond between China and Pakistan. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to deepening reform and advancing modernisation, while noting Pakistan’s ongoing efforts in its own development journey.
Premier Li’s visit will also include meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari, parliamentary leaders, and senior military officials. The visit coincides with the Heads of Government meeting, part of the SCO, where key global leaders, including Russia’s Mikhail Mishustin and Iran’s Mohammad Reza Aref, will gather in Islamabad. This summit marks the first visit by an Indian official, External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, in nearly a decade.
The government has declared a three-day public holiday in Islamabad, with heightened security in the capital’s Red Zone, where the meetings will take place.