Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang is set to visit Pakistan next month, from October 14 to 16, marking the first visit by a Chinese prime minister to Pakistan in 11 years. The last visit was by Li Keqiang in May 2013.
During his trip, Li Qiang is expected to sign significant agreements, including proposals for the construction of the ML-I railway track in multiple phases. He may also address a joint session of Parliament and participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting on October 16.
Pakistan will host the SCO heads of government meeting on October 15 and 16, preceded by a ministerial meeting and senior officials’ meetings focusing on financial, economic, socio-cultural, and humanitarian cooperation among member states.
Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch confirmed that Pakistan has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal to the SCO meeting, which will discuss trade and economic cooperation among member countries.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed Pakistan’s aim to enhance collaboration with China in areas such as information technology, artificial intelligence, and modern agriculture. He praised the enduring friendship between Pakistan and China, highlighting China’s consistent support during challenging times.
Li Qiang’s visit follows the recent visit of Chinese Commander of the People’s Liberation Army Ground Forces Gen Li Qiaoming, who met with Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir to discuss regional security and defense cooperation.
In June, PM Shehbaz visited China and met President Xi Jinping, where they reiterated their commitment to the high-quality development and timely completion of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, including its upgradation and advancement into its second phase.
