ISLAMABAD, October 14,2024: Chinese Premier Li Qiang reached in Islamabad on Monday for a four-day bilateral visit, which includes participation in the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.
His visit coincides with Pakistan’s hosting of the 23rd SCO meeting of the Council of Heads of Government (CHG) on October 15 and 16, with extensive security measures in place.
In preparation for the summit, the Pakistani government has declared a three-day public holiday in Islamabad, closing schools and businesses and deploying significant police and paramilitary forces for security.
Upon his arrival, Premier Li was warmly welcomed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who received him with a ceremonial 21-gun salute.
According to a statement from the Foreign Office, Premier Li will meet with President Asif Ali Zardari and engage with parliamentary leaders and senior military officials during his visit.
The two leaders are expected to discuss various aspects of Pakistan-China relations, with a focus on economic and trade ties, as well as cooperation under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The Foreign Office emphasized that the visit reflects the importance both countries place on their “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership.”
It will be an opportunity for the two sides to reaffirm mutual support on core issues, advance the high-quality development of CPEC, and strengthen regular exchanges on regional and global developments.
Premier Li is accompanied by a delegation of ministers and senior officials from various Chinese ministries, including foreign affairs and commerce.