Islamabad, October 15,2024- Chinese Premier Li Qiang has reaffirmed China’s unwavering support for Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and prosperity during a high-profile meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari.
The two leaders met during Premier Li’s visit to Pakistan as part of his participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit. President Zardari hosted a luncheon in honor of the Chinese Premier, which was also attended by Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir.
In the meeting, both Pakistan and China pledged to deepen strategic cooperation in key areas such as the economy, investment, and regional connectivity. They also emphasized the need to expedite the implementation of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects.
Premier Li Qiang described Pakistan and China as “good brothers, neighbors, partners, and friends” and commended the efforts of President Zardari in strengthening bilateral relations. He reaffirmed that under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, strategic cooperation between the two countries will continue to grow. Li further noted that despite global challenges, the two nations have consistently supported each other and will continue to elevate their partnership.
Li highlighted the need to accelerate the progress of development projects under CPEC and assured that China would continue to support Chinese companies investing in Pakistan. He expressed optimism that China-Pakistan relations would become even stronger in the future.
The Chinese Premier also praised Pakistan’s steadfast support for China’s core issues, including the One-China policy, Taiwan, Tibet, Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and the South China Sea, and reiterated China’s commitment to backing Pakistan’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
President Zardari emphasized that friendship with China is a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy. He stressed the importance of exploring new avenues of cooperation and pointed out the potential to further expand Pakistan-China relations.
Zardari also called for strengthening trade and people-to-people ties through enhanced connectivity and urged Chinese companies to take advantage of investment opportunities in Pakistan’s stock exchange. He expressed Pakistan’s eagerness to benefit from China’s economic growth through CPEC and the Gwadar port, announcing plans to visit China in November to further strengthen ties.
During the meeting, President Zardari expressed deep condolences over the deaths of two Chinese nationals in a recent terrorist attack in Pakistan. He condemned the incident as an attempt by enemies of the China-Pakistan friendship to sabotage bilateral relations. Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to bring the perpetrators to justice and assured that security measures for Chinese nationals working in Pakistan would be enhanced.
The President also thanked China for its support on the Kashmir issue and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to backing China on all its core matters, including Tibet and the South China Sea.
