Chinese premier expected in Pakistan

Islamabad: Chinese Premier Li Qiang is scheduled to make an official visit to Pakistan next month as both nations aim to strengthen their bilateral relations through multi-billion dollar projects, including the corridor initiative, and cultural exchange programs, officials here said.

This visit marks the first by a Chinese premier to Pakistan in 11 years. The last visit was by Li Keqiang in May 2013, where he emphasized the importance of prioritizing cooperation in power generation during his brief stay of less than two weeks.

Premier Li’s visit to Islamabad is set from October 14 to 16, during which several significant agreements are expected to be signed, including plans for constructing the ML-I railway track in various stages.

There is also a proposal for Premier Li to address a joint session of Parliament. He is expected to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting for heads of government on October 16.

Pakistan will host the SCO heads of government meeting from October 15 to 16, with preliminary ministerial and senior officials’ meetings focusing on financial, economic, socio-cultural, and humanitarian cooperation among SCO member states.

On Thursday, Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch had confirmed that Pakistan had invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the upcoming SCO meeting in Islamabad.

Pakistan has also invited Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal to attend the meeting.

The meeting will likely focus on discussions related to trade and economic cooperation between member nations.