Chinese PM arrives in Pakistan with delegation

Islamabad: Chinese Premier Li Keqiang arrived in Pakistan today on a three-day official visit, the first by any Chinese premier in 11 years to give new impetus to bilateral cooperation to deal with the challenges faced by the changing geopolitical situation and Chinese President Xi's Belt and Road Initiative.

According to the details, Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang along with his delegation arrived at Islamabad Airport in an Air China plane where he was warmly welcomed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and other senior officials at Noor Khan Air Base.

The Chinese Prime Minister was given a 21-gun salute on his arrival in Pakistan and a guard of honor was also presented.

The Chinese Prime Minister is expected to meet President Zardari today and will also hold meetings with other dignitaries while the distinguished guest will also virtually inaugurate the Gwadar International Airport.

Chinese PM Li Qiang's message on arrival in Pakistan

After arriving in Pakistan, Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang said that he is very happy to attend the 23rd meeting of the heads of government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and to visit Pakistan at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The Chinese Premier stated: "As soon as I got off the plane, I was warmly welcomed and impressed by the deep brotherly friendship and hospitality of the Pakistani people. Pakistan is an important developing country, an emerging market and a major Muslim country. Pakistan is China's all-weather strategic cooperation partner and staunch friend".

Li Chiang further said that Pakistan is loved and appreciated by the Chinese people. In 73 years, both countries have maintained constant trust and supported each other. China-Pakistan relations have become an excellent example of bilateral state relations.

It is pertinent to note that the visit of the Chinese Prime Minister appeared to be in jeopardy when terrorists attacked a Chinese convoy outside the Jinnah International Airport Karachi on October 6, in which two Chinese engineers were killed and one was injured. However, despite the attack, China decided to send its Prime Minister to Islamabad.

According to reports, this move is a message to those forces who are trying to harm China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

According to the spokesperson of the Foreign Office of Pakistan, Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang is visiting on the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He will stay in Pakistan till October 17, accompanied by Ministers of Commerce, Foreign Affairs, National Development and Reform Commission. The delegation will include the China International Development Corporation Agency and other senior officials.

Li Qiang and Shehbaz Sharif will discuss CPEC, economic cooperation and bilateral trade at the delegation level. Regional and global situations will also be discussed in the meeting.

The Chinese Prime Minister will also meet President Asif Ali Zardari, parliamentary leaders, and senior military leadership. Li Qiang will also attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) conference.

According to officials, the agenda of the visit is wide-ranging and will focus on expanding cooperation and launching the next phase of CPEC. Power sector debt review is also on Pakistan's agenda.

It is also reported that no major progress is likely to be made during this visit. The security of Chinese nationals working on CPEC and other projects will remain at the top of the agenda. Due to the recent terrorism in Karachi, China can suggest Joint Security Company.