ISLAMABAD: Chinese Premier Li Qiang concluded his visit to Pakistan on Wednesday after attending the 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Islamabad on October 15-16.
At Nur Khan Airbase, he was bid farewell by the Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal.
In a statement, Iqbal expressed his gratitude for the visit and said, “We look forward to welcoming you back to Pakistan soon.” He emphasized the significance of China-Pakistan relations, likening the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to the Great Wall of China as a landmark of friendship.
Premier Li Qiang thanked Iqbal for his role in advancing CPEC and affirmed, “I will return to Pakistan,” highlighting the strong ties between the two nations. “Pakistan is China’s iron brother,” he remarked.
The Premier also expressed appreciation for the warm hospitality he received from the Pakistani people and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. “I thank the people of Pakistan and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for the remarkable hospitality,” he stated before departing.
This visit and participation in the SCO Summit further solidified the strategic partnership between Pakistan and China, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to enhancing cooperation under CPEC, particularly in its Phase-II development.
