Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrived in Pakistan on Monday for a four-day visit, marking the first visit by a Chinese premier in over a decade. Li’s trip coincides with the 2024 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, and he is expected to hold bilateral talks with Pakistan’s leadership on key issues, with a focus on enhancing cooperation in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
Li’s visit comes at a time of heightened security concerns following recent attacks on Chinese workers involved in infrastructure projects in Pakistan. His trip underscores China’s commitment to its strategic partnership with Pakistan. Premier Li was personally received by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and key cabinet members at the Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi.
SCO Summit 2024
The 23rd Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government (CHG) of the SCO Member States is scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday in Islamabad. Despite recent political unrest and the killing of two Chinese nationals in Karachi, Premier Li’s visit remains focused on bolstering economic ties and addressing regional security.
The Chinese delegation includes top officials from various government departments. High-level talks are planned between Pakistan’s civil and military leadership, and a meeting is scheduled between Premier Li and President Asif Ali Zardari.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office has hailed the visit, describing it as part of an “All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership.” Prime Minister Sharif has assured China of his personal oversight of the investigation into the Karachi attack, for which the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility. In response, China has sent a special inter-agency group to assess the safety of its personnel working on CPEC projects.
To facilitate the high-profile SCO meeting, Islamabad has declared a three-day public holiday.
(With inputs from PTI)