Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang landed in Islamabad on an Air China flight on Monday for a historic visit, marking the first visit of a Chinese premier to Pakistan in 11 years.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif personally received his Chinese counterpart at the airport, underscoring the significance of this high-level diplomatic engagement.

After a warm welcome, Prime Minister Li Qiang proceeded to the Prime Minister's House, where a formal guard of honor was presented in his honor.

Both leaders are set to engage in one-on-one talks, followed by delegation-level meetings to strengthen bilateral ties.

A key highlight of the visit will be the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), including major agreements under CPEC-2 and other significant projects aimed at boosting economic and infrastructure cooperation between the two nations.

In addition, the much-anticipated Gwadar International Airport will be officially inaugurated during the ceremony, symbolizing the continued partnership and strategic collaboration between Pakistan and China.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his delight at the arrival of Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang, the special guest of the 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organization Conference.

He stated that this visit would elevate Pakistan-China friendship and cooperation to new heights. The hospitality extended by Pakistan won the heart of the Chinese Prime Minister. Li Qiang mentioned that he was very happy to be in Pakistan at the invitation of Shehbaz Sharif. He praised Pakistan as an emerging market, a major Muslim country, and a steadfast "iron friend" that cooperates with China in all circumstances.

The 73 years of unwavering trust between Pakistan and China have become an example for others. Here’s a report from Islamabad:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was delighted to welcome Li Qiang. He expressed confidence in the constructive outcomes of his "brother's" visit and emphasized that it would strengthen and broaden the friendship between the two nations. Shehbaz Sharif will also review the progress of ongoing projects between Pakistan and China.

The Chinese premier, Li Qiang, acknowledged Pakistan as an important developing country, an emerging market, and a large Muslim nation. He expressed his happiness at being in Pakistan on Shehbaz Sharif's invitation and was deeply impressed by the hospitality shown to him.

Li Qiang reiterated that Pakistan is an all-weather cooperative partner and a staunch friend. Over the past 73 years, both countries have supported each other with consistent trust and mutual respect. He added that the Chinese people hold Pakistan in high regard.

Message from Chinese PM Li Qiang

Li Qiang conveyed his heartfelt appreciation for the warm reception he received upon arriving in Pakistan for the 23rd SCO Summit, at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He remarked that the deep fraternal friendship and hospitality of the Pakistani people were highly impressive.

Li Qiang described Pakistan as an important developing country and an emerging market, adding that the long-standing trust and cooperation between the two nations over the past 73 years had set an example for others. The Chinese people, he noted, also hold Pakistan in high esteem.

Message from PM Shehbaz Sharif

Shehbaz Sharif shared a warm message upon the arrival of his Chinese counterpart, expressing his pleasure in welcoming Li Qiang to Islamabad. He expressed optimism about the historic visit's constructive outcomes and noted that it would further strengthen and expand Pakistan-China ties. In addition to discussing the progress of ongoing projects, the visit will also explore new opportunities for cooperation, particularly advancing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He underscored the proven partnership between Pakistan and China as essential for regional stability and prosperity.