Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Qiang, who arrived in Islamabad today for a four-day official visit ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, virtually inaugurated the Gwadar International Airport, a key component of the multi-billion dollar CPEC project.
During a ceremony held at the Prime Minister House, both leaders unveiled the plaque for the Gwadar airport, attended by members of their delegations, ministers, military officials, and senior government representatives.
“This landmark achievement underscores the time-tested friendship between our two countries,” PM Shehbaz remarked at the inauguration. He expressed optimism that the completion of this international airport would significantly transform Gwadar’s economy and contribute to Pakistan’s overall economic development.
The Prime Minister highlighted the recent signing and exchange of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) between the two nations across various sectors, including industry, commerce, and agriculture. “These MoUs will soon evolve into formal agreements through our joint efforts. I thank you for your visit to Pakistan amidst your busy schedule, which reflects your commitment to strengthening our friendship,” he said to the Chinese Premier.
Shehbaz also expressed gratitude to President Xi, Premier Li, and the people of China for their generous support in building the Gwadar International Airport, calling it “another feather in the cap of CPEC.” He assured his Chinese counterpart of his commitment to advancing the second phase of the CPEC and ensuring peace and security for both nations.
In his address, Premier Li congratulated the Pakistani government and its people on the completion of the airport, emphasizing its significance for regional connectivity. He noted that the accomplishments achieved over the years demonstrate the strength of the Pak-China friendship and would enhance shipping and port activities throughout the region.
Li described CPEC as a vital initiative contributing positively to Pakistan’s economic and social development and regional integration. He reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to collaborating closely with Pakistan to pursue high standards, sustainability, and quality within the Belt and Road Initiative.
Highlighting the special relationship between the two countries, Li termed their partnership “ironclad,” stating that it has withstood global changes. He expressed eagerness to work together to accelerate mutual economic development in the future.
13 MoUs Signed
During the visit, both sides signed 13 agreements aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation across various sectors, including security, education, agriculture, human resource development, and science and technology. The documents were exchanged following delegation-level talks, which covered all aspects of Pakistan-China relations, including economic ties and collaboration under CPEC.
Notable exchanges included a handing-over certificate for the Smart Classrooms project, signed by Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema and Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, as well as the minutes from the 13th meeting of the CPEC Joint Coordination Committee and the 7th Joint Working Group on Gwadar.
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal and Lou Zhaohui, Chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency, signed an MoU on promoting cooperation in the Livelihood Working Group of CPEC.
The two countries also agreed to strengthen collaboration in “Information and Communication,” “Water Conservancy Facilities, Flood Control and Calamity Reduction,” and “Security,” with relevant MoUs exchanged by Cheema and Luo. Additionally, they exchanged letters concerning “Human Resource Development under the GDI” and an “Assistance Program for Fire Fighting Vehicles to Islamabad.”
Other agreements included an MoU on Joint Laboratories, signed by Science and Technology Secretary Sajid Baloch and Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong, and a document on the “Co-production of TV Programs,” signed by Information and Broadcasting Secretary Ambreen Jan and Ambassador Zaidong.
Furthermore, the two nations exchanged a protocol on quarantine requirements for the export of donkey meat to China and signed a currency swap agreement.
Earlier, upon Premier Li’s arrival at the PM House, he was warmly welcomed by Prime Minister Shehbaz, who presented him with a guard of honor before their meeting and delegation-level talks commenced.
