Ministry of Foreign Affairs- Chinese Premier visited Pakistan again after 11 years and achieved positive results in three aspects

On October 16, a routine press briefing was held by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning in Beijing.

During the briefing, a reporter inquired about Prime Minister Li Qiang’s formal visit to Pakistan, which took place from October 14 to 16 in conjunction with the 23rd meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization heads of government. The reporter asked for details about the visit and its key outcomes.

Mao Ning responded that China and Pakistan share an all-weather strategic partnership and are steadfast friends. This visit marked the first time in 11 years that a Chinese Premiere visited Pakistan, and it facilitated reciprocal visits between the two countries’ leaders within the same year. During his visit, Prime Minister Li engaged in extensive discussions with leaders from the Pakistani government, parliament, and military, achieving three main positive outcomes.

First, the visit strengthened the enduring friendship between China and Pakistan. Both sides recognized that their deep-rooted friendship remains strong and evolving, with positive momentum in bilateral relations under the strategic guidance of their leaders. China reiterated its commitment to prioritizing its relationship with Pakistan in its diplomatic agenda. Meanwhile, Pakistan affirmed that its relationship with China is foundational to its foreign policy, highlighting a broad consensus across society on fostering ties with China. Both nations agreed to steadfastly support each other’s core interests, enhance high-level exchanges, and work collaboratively towards modernization and national rejuvenation, aiming to accelerate the construction of a closer China-Pakistan community of shared destiny in the new era.

Second, the two sides committed to deepening practical cooperation across various fields. They agreed to enhance strategic development alignment, work together on an “upgraded version” of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, and expedite major projects in railways, highways, and ports. Additionally, they aimed to promote industrial integration and expand pragmatic cooperation in agriculture, mining, information technology, energy, trade, and culture, ensuring that the benefits of this collaboration reach the people of both countries. During the visit, the leaders collectively attended the completion ceremony of the Gwadar New International Airport project, and relevant departments signed cooperation agreements in areas such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, humanitarian assistance, science and technology, broadcasting, and quarantine inspection.

Third, the visit addressed concerns regarding the security cooperation environment. Pakistan expressed deep condolences for recent terrorist attacks that resulted in the deaths of Chinese personnel and committed to utilizing all resources to apprehend the perpetrators and bolster security measures, ensuring the safety of Chinese personnel, projects, and institutions in Pakistan. China supports Pakistan’s efforts to combat terrorism and urged the Pakistani side to implement targeted security measures to foster a secure environment for bilateral cooperation. Both countries reaffirmed their “zero tolerance” stance against terrorism, emphasizing strengthening bilateral and multilateral counter-terrorism collaboration while uniting international and regional efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region.