Premier Li Qiang Visits Pakistan and Attends the 23rd Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)

Pakistan Research Center
Inner Mongolia Honder College of Arts and Sciences

Premier Li Qiang Arrives in Islamabad for Official Visit to Pakistan and SCO Council of Heads of Government Meeting

On October 14, 2024, local time, Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrived at Nur Khan Air Base in Islamabad by chartered flight, beginning his official visit to Pakistan at the invitation of Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. During his visit, Premier Li also attended the 23rd Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government (Prime Ministers) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

Premier Li Qiang was warmly welcomed at the airport by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong, and representatives from both countries.

The visit marked another important high-level interaction between China and Pakistan, demonstrating the close strategic coordination and deep friendship between the two countries.

Strengthening the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership

Premier Li Qiang stated that Pakistan is China’s all-weather strategic cooperative partner.

Over the past 73 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China and Pakistan have maintained a relationship characterized by:

• mutual trust;
• firm support;
• sincere friendship;

• mutually beneficial cooperation.

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The China–Pakistan relationship has become a successful example of friendly cooperation and win-win partnership between countries.

Premier Li emphasized that in June 2024, Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his visit to China. The two leaders reached important consensus on accelerating the building of a closer China–Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era, providing strategic guidance for the continued development of bilateral relations.

China is willing to work together with Pakistan to:

• carry forward traditional friendship;
• deepen mutually beneficial cooperation;
• expand practical collaboration in various fields;
• share development opportunities;
• create a brighter future of common prosperity and progress for both nations.

Promoting High-Quality Development of China–Pakistan Cooperation

During the visit, Premier Li highlighted that China and Pakistan have maintained close cooperation in various fields, including:

Infrastructure Connectivity

China and Pakistan have actively promoted cooperation under the framework of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Major cooperation achievements include:

• Gwadar Port development;
• transportation infrastructure;
• energy projects;
• industrial cooperation;
• livelihood improvement programs.

These projects have contributed significantly to Pakistan’s economic development, energy security, and regional connectivity.

Expanding Cooperation in Emerging Areas

China and Pakistan continue to explore new opportunities for cooperation in areas such as:

• agriculture modernization;
• information technology;
• digital economy;
• renewable energy;
• mining;
• industrial development.

Both sides are committed to upgrading CPEC cooperation and creating new drivers of economic growth that can benefit the peoples of both countries.

Joint Efforts to Advance Regional Peace and Development Through the SCO

Premier Li Qiang also emphasized the importance of cooperation within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

He expressed China’s willingness to work with all SCO member states to:

• implement the outcomes of the Astana Summit;
• uphold the Shanghai Spirit;
• deepen cooperation across various fields;
• strengthen solidarity and coordination within the organisation.

China hopes that the SCO will continue to play a constructive role in promoting:

• regional peace;
• security;
• stability;
• economic development.

Through enhanced cooperation, SCO members can contribute greater wisdom and strength to building a more peaceful, stable, and prosperous region.

A New Milestone in China–Pakistan High-Level Exchanges

Premier Li Qiang’s visit further demonstrated the strong momentum of China–Pakistan relations and the close communication between the leaderships of the two countries.

As long-standing friends and partners, China and Pakistan will continue working together to advance the construction of a China–Pakistan community with a shared future, strengthen cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, and bring more tangible benefits to their peoples.

The visit also reflected China’s commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and promoting common development through multilateral platforms such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.