Chinese Premier Li Qiang to visit Pakistan next month

ISLAMABAD: A significant diplomatic development, Chinese Premier Li Qiang is expected to visit Pakistan in October, for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit marking the first visit by a Chinese premier to the country in over a decade.

This upcoming visit is planned to further solidify the bilateral relationship between Pakistan and China, with a focus on discussing critical matters of mutual interest.

According to diplomatic sources, Premier Li Qiang’s three-day visit will be divided into two phases.

The first phase will commence on October 14, during which he will engage in bilateral talks with Pakistani officials in Islamabad.

These discussions will encompass various aspects, including economic cooperation, defense ties, and regional stability.

The second phase of Premier Li Qiang’s visit will begin on October 15, when he will participate in the SCO Summit, hosted by Pakistan.

This summit will bring together leaders from SCO member states to deliberate on regional security, economic collaboration, and multilateral cooperation.

Diplomatic sources indicate that several agreements are expected to be signed during Premier Li Qiang’s visit, further cementing the strategic partnership between Pakistan and China.

Moreover, during the SCO Summit, a series of ministerial and senior officials’ meetings will be held to foster cooperation in various fields, including finance, economics, socio-cultural affairs, and humanitarian efforts among SCO member countries.

In addition, Pakistan has also formally invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Pakistan and attend the SCO Summit.