Chinese Prime Minister visited Pakistan again after 11 years and achieved positive results in three aspects-

During a press briefing on October 16, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning discussed Premier Li Qiang’s recent visit to Pakistan, marking the first time in 11 years that a Chinese premier has made such a trip. The visit, which took place from October 14 to 16, coincided with the Premier’s attendance at the 23rd meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states.

Mao emphasized that China and Pakistan share a time-tested strategic partnership and are steadfast friends. This visit not only saw the exchange of visits between the two countries’ premiers within the same year but also included extensive discussions between Premier Li and leaders from the Pakistani government, parliament, and military. The visit yielded three significant outcomes.

Firstly, the friendship between China and Pakistan was further solidified. Both sides acknowledged that their strong bond has withstood the test of time and has continuously evolved. Under the strategic leadership of both nations, the relationship is flourishing, with China reiterating its commitment to prioritizing its relationship with Pakistan in its foreign policy. Pakistan underscored that its ties with China form a cornerstone of its diplomatic policy, with broad agreement across Pakistani society on the importance of this friendship. Both nations resolved to maintain firm support for each other’s core interests, enhance high-level exchanges, and work hand in hand toward modernization and national rejuvenation, ultimately building a more closely-knit China-Pakistan community of shared destiny.

Secondly, there was a commitment to deepening practical cooperation across various fields. Both governments agreed to align development strategies and collaboratively upgrade the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. They intend to expedite major projects in railways, highways, ports, and other sectors, while also enhancing industrial integration and pursuing pragmatic cooperation in agriculture, mining, information technology, energy, trade, and culture, ensuring the benefits are widely shared by both peoples. During the visit, the leaders inaugurated the new Gwadar International Airport project, and related departments signed cooperation agreements in areas including the Economic Corridor, livelihoods assistance, science and technology, broadcasting, and inspection and quarantine.

Finally, the visit reinforced the commitment to ensuring a secure cooperation environment. The Pakistani side expressed deep condolences for the recent terrorist attack that claimed the lives of Chinese personnel in Pakistan, pledging to take all necessary measures to bring the perpetrators to justice and enhance security protocols to protect Chinese citizens, projects, and institutions on its soil. China expressed its support for Pakistan’s anti-terrorism efforts and called for targeted security measures to create a safer environment for bilateral cooperation. Both sides reaffirmed their “zero-tolerance” stance on terrorism, strengthening bilateral and multilateral counter-terrorism cooperation to maintain peace and stability in the region.