Pakistan, China sign MoUs, inaugurate Gwadar airport during Premier Li Qiang’s visit

Pakistan and China on Monday signed several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in various sectors during Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s visit to Islamabad, where he was welcomed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The two leaders also virtually inaugurated the Gwadar International Airport, a key component of the multi-billion-dollar CPEC project.

“The completion of Gwadar Airport is an important milestone,” Premier Li said during the signing ceremony for several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation.

He praised the collaborative efforts and dedication of both Pakistan and China in bringing the project to fruition.

According to Express News, Premier Li Qiang arrived at the Noor Khan Airbase on a four-day official visit. He was received with full honours, including a floral welcome and a 21-gun salute. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif personally greeted the Chinese premier, and later hosted him at the Prime Minister’s House for a luncheon in his honour.

At the Prime Minister’s House, a formal welcome ceremony took place with the national anthems of both countries being played, followed by a guard of honour presented to Premier Li by Pakistan’s armed forces.

Prime Minister Shehbaz and his Chinese counterpart held delegation-level talks at the Prime Minister’s House. The two leaders discussed a wide range of bilateral, regional, and global issues, focusing on strengthening the Pakistan-China strategic cooperative partnership.

During the meeting, both leaders expressed satisfaction with the growing ties between the two countries, which they described as rooted in “mutual trust and shared principles.” They reaffirmed their commitment to support each other on core issues and vowed to further enhance cooperation under the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).