On 14 October Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang arrived in Pakistan for a four day official visit. He will also attend the 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting of the Council of the Heads of Government (CHG) summit being hosted by Pakistan that is set to begin today. 

Inauguration of Gwadar International Airport
On the first day of his visit, Qiang virtually inaugurated the recently completed Gwadar International Airport in presence of his Pakistani counterpart. Terming the airport as a “gift,” PM Sharif lauded Chinese commitment towards the project and expressed hope that the airport would help transform the economy of not only Gwadar but the entire country. He urged Qiang to cooperate closely on Phase-II of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the “peace and security of the people of the two countries.” Premier Li also highlighted that CPEC has “played a positive role in Pakistan’s economic and social development and regional integration.” Li also described the relationship between the two countries as “special relationship and friendship” and “unique and unbreakable time-tested ironclad friendship” which has “stood the global changing landscape.”

 Bilateral discussions on completion of ongoing projects, security of Chinese projects and individuals etc
Separately, during a meeting, PM Sharif and Premier Li discussed a whole range of issues, from bilateral relations to regional and global issues of mutual interest. Both leaders expressed satisfaction that the CPEC has entered a new phase and reiterated their commitment towards the completion of ongoing projects, including those related to “industry, modernization of agriculture, information technology, science and technology, for the mutual benefit and the socio-economic development of Pakistan.” PM Sharif emphasized his “unwavering commitment” towards ensuring the security of both Chinese projects and nationals in the country. Discussions were also held on possible relocation of Chinese industries to Pakistan and ways to boost Chinese investment in Pakistan.

MoUs on currency swaps, security cooperation, information and communication cooperation etc
According to The News International, 13 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were signed by both countries which is hoped to be translated into agreements. Some areas in which these MoUs were signed are: currency swaps agreement, protocol on quarantine requirements for export of donkey meat to China, strengthening security cooperation, information and communication Cooperation, strengthening livelihood cooperation, development of joint laboratories, water conservancy and disaster mitigation and so on.

Meeting with the military leadership
Additionally, Premier Li also met the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza and the service chiefs army chief General Syed Asim Munir, air chief Zaheer Ahmad Babar and naval chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf. Li commended the country’s armed forces for leading the fight against terrorism and assured China’s support for the same.Issues related to terrorism and defence cooperation were also discussed. Both sides reiterated their commitment to strengthening and widening the relationship. 

References
Mehtab Haider & Muhammad Anis, “13 accords signed: Pakistan, China agree to ramp up cooperation,” The News International, 15 October 2024 
“PM Shehbaz inaugurates Gwadar International Airport on Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s visit,” Dawn, 14 October 2024
“Pakistan, China sign MoUs, inaugurate Gwadar airport during Premier Li Qiang's visit,” The Express Tribune, 14 October 2024
“Chinese PM meets military leaders,” The Express Tribune, 14 October 2024