Live Updates: Chinese premier Li Quang lands in Islamabad for historic SCO summit

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.

Read more: SCO summit 2024 in Islamabad: Which key global powers are attending?

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.

Pakistan is set to host its first-ever Council of Heads of Government meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Islamabad, with India’s foreign minister attending. This marks the first visit by a senior Indian official to the country in nearly a decade.

This is also the first time Pakistan is hosting the SCO summit, and the first time in almost ten years that an Indian foreign minister is visiting Pakistan.

Last year, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari attended the SCO Foreign Ministers’ Summit in Goa in 2023.

Several high-ranking officials and heads of government from member states and observers will gather in Islamabad for the upcoming SCO meeting, which is expected to serve as a significant platform for discussions on regional cooperation, trade, and security.

Additionally, SCO Secretary General Zhang Ming and Ruslan Mirzaif, Executive Director of the SCO RATS Committee, will also attend the conference. Leaders from Mongolia and Turkmenistan, including Prime Minister Oyun Erdene Luvsannamsrai and Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet Rashid Meredov, respectively, will represent their countries.

Pakistan's business sector will also be represented, with Atif Ikram Shaikh, Chairman of the SCO Business Council Board, and Marat Belybayev, Chairman of the SCO Interbank Union, participating in discussions on economic collaboration.

The meeting is expected to address pressing regional challenges and promote stronger multilateral cooperation among SCO members

Twin cities authorities have issued a comprehensive traffic plan for Rawalpindi and Islamabad for Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) conference effecting from October 14 to 16.

The plan includes several road closures and diversions to ensure smooth traffic flow during the high-profile event.

From October 14 to 16, all types of heavy traffic will be prohibited within the city. Over 1,100 traffic officers will be deployed to manage and facilitate traffic during this period. Notably, the Expressway from Zero Point to Coral Chowk will be closed to traffic, prompting several alternative routes to be designated for motorists.

Passengers traveling from Margalla Road towards Rawalpindi are advised to use Ninth Avenue. Traffic from Faisal Avenue to Zero Point will also be redirected to Ninth Avenue. For those coming from Bhara Kahu to Rawalpindi, the recommended route includes Covering Road, Banigala, and Lahtrar Road.

Additionally, passengers traveling from Rawalpindi to Islamabad are encouraged to utilize Ninth Avenue. Vehicles from IJP Road heading to Faizabad should take Stadium Road from the Ninth Avenue Signal. Heavy traffic traveling from Peshawar to Lahore is advised to use the Motorway from Taxila.

To accommodate the traffic plan, the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Metro Bus Service will be completely suspended from October 14 to October 17. The metro service will not operate between Sadar Station and Pak Secretariat during this time.

Motorists coming from Peshawar via GT Road should also divert to the Motorway, with the option to exit at Chakri Interchange. This traffic management plan aims to minimize congestion and ensure the safety and security of all attendees at the SCO conference.

Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang is scheduled to undertake a three-day official visit to Pakistan next month, diplomatic sources confirmed.

The visit, which is set to take place from October 14 to 16, comes at a time when Pakistan and China are witnessing an improvement in their diplomatic relations.

This trip is seen as a significant development in the continuation of bilateral engagements, particularly following Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's recent visit to Beijing.

According to diplomatic sources, the Chinese premier's visit will be conducted in two phases. In the first phase, Premier Li Qiang will arrive in Islamabad on October 14 for a bilateral visit.

During this time, discussions will be held on a range of issues, including strengthening Pakistan-China relations and exploring new avenues of cooperation.

The second phase of the visit  - scheduled for October 15 and 16 - will involve Premier Li's participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit.

The SCO summit, which will be held in Pakistan, is expected to bring together leaders from member countries to discuss regional security, economic cooperation, and other pertinent issues.

Several agreements between Pakistan and China are anticipated to be signed during Premier Li's visit, further cementing the longstanding ties between the two nations.

This visit, which comes 11 years after the last visit by a Chinese premier to Pakistan, is being hailed by officials as a continuation of the momentum gained in bilateral relations, particularly in the wake of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's engagement with Chinese leadership earlier this year.

Indian media claimed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will likely skip the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for the Shanghai Corporation Summit (SCO) to be held in Islamabad on October 15 and 16.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended invitations to all heads of government of the SCO member states, including the Indian Prime Minister, following the SCO protocol three days ago.

SAMAA TV reported as of now, there has been no confirmation or denial from India regarding the invitation.

The meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization is scheduled for October 15 and 16 in Islamabad.

Read more; Shehbaz urges rising above partisan geopolitics, uniting for prosperous future

Shehbaz urges rising above partisan geopolitics

Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed the 24th summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Astana, Kazakhstan, emphasizing the organization's crucial role in regional peace and security.

On July 4 this year, during his address, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the beauty of Astana, expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality extended by Kazakhstan and underscored the significance of SCO's efforts towards social and economic development in member states as well as its role in maintaining peace and security in the region.

He congratulated Chinese President Xi Jinping on assuming the SCO chairmanship for the upcoming year and commended SCO's initiatives for environmental protection.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed the 24th summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Astana, Kazakhstan, emphasizing the organization's crucial role in regional peace and security.

During his address, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the beauty of Astana, expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality extended by Kazakhstan and underscored the significance of SCO's efforts towards social and economic development in member states as well as its role in maintaining peace and security in the region.

He congratulated Chinese President Xi Jinping on assuming the SCO chairmanship for the upcoming year and commended SCO's initiatives for environmental protection.

Also Read: PM calls for tripartite economic partnership with Turkey and Azerbaijan

Highlighting global challenges, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed the pressing issue of climate change and stressed the need for collaborative efforts to achieve sustainable development goals and prosperity. "As leaders, it is our responsibility to rise above partisan geopolitics and join hands to secure a peaceful and prosperous future for our peoples," he remarked. 

وزیرِاعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی شنگھائی تعاون تنظیم کے سربراہی اجلاس میں شرکت۔ pic.twitter.com/tysdo9xqNN

— PMLN Digital (@PMLNDigital) July 4, 2024

The PM pointed out that Pakistan's location makes it an ideal trade conduit for the entire region, saying that CPEC, the flagship project of Belt and Road initiative, also supplements SCO's vision for regional connectivity and economic interaction.

Also Read: PM Shehbaz, President Putin vow to deepen Pakistan-Russia cooperation

"Pakistan supports the proposal of an SCO alternate development fund mechanism to give impetus to various stalled initiatives,” he suggested, emphasizing Pakistan's commitment to contributing to prosperity under the SCO Charter.

Welcoming the SCO agreement on environment protection, Shehbaz said Pakistan remained committed to working for a sustainable and nature-positive world. "We have to work together to end poverty," he stressed. 

Astana: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is being received by President of Kazakhstan H.E. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as he arrives at the Independence Palace of Astana to attend Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit. pic.twitter.com/j5FMvwoI0b

— PMLN Digital (@PMLNDigital) July 4, 2024

Regarding Afghanistan, the prime minister reiterated Pakistan's desire for peace in the region. He urged the international community to engage meaningfully with the interim Afghan government in order to meet their economic needs. Similarly, the interim Afghan government must also implement effective measures to prevent the utilization of its territory for terrorist activities against any other nation, he emphasized. 

Also Read: PM Sharif touches down in Kazakhstan to attend twin SCO Summits

“Recent terror activities have been a matter of great concern for all of us. Terrorism and extremism by individuals, groups or states must be fought collectively in a comprehensive fashion. Terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including state terrorism, must be condemned in clear and unambiguous terms. There can neither be any justification for killing innocent people nor should the bogey of terrorism be used for political point-scoring,” he added, and emphasized outlawing Islamophobia universally.

Turning to international issues, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif voiced Pakistan's support for a two-state solution to the Palestinian issue, reaffirming the establishment of a Palestinian state with Al-Quds as its capital along pre-1967 borders. He condemned Israel's actions in Gaza and expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis affecting Palestinians. 

Later, the premier wrote on his X account that he delivered Pakistan’s national statement at the SCO Council of Heads of States meeting. He further said that he reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong commitment to the SCO Charter & principles, "conveyed our support for SCO’s expansion & reform, called for collective action for socioeconomic development, enhanced connectivity, maintaining peace & security, combating terrorism, dealing with climate change, alleviating poverty, and above all, ensuring observance of principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and right to self determination".

Delivered Pakistan’s national statement at SCO Council of Heads of States meeting in Astana today. Reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong commitment to the SCO Charter & principles, conveyed our support for SCO’s expansion & reform, called for collective action for socioeconomic… pic.twitter.com/40JhputUPL

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) July 4, 2024

"Called for resolution of long-standing disputes through UNSC resolutions. Strongly urged for peace in Gaza as well as peace & stability in Afghanistan. Pakistan looks forward to welcoming the SCO family at the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting in Islamabad this October."

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif underscored Pakistan's commitment to bolstering its relations with Russia during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit.

The meeting, held in Astana, Kazakhstan, saw both leaders expressing mutual determination to enhance their countries' bilateral ties, particularly in trade and energy.

Prime Minister Sharif congratulated President Putin on his re-election and expressed optimism about Russia's continued development under his leadership. He highlighted the long-standing friendly relations between Pakistan and Russia, noting the positive trajectory these relations have taken over recent years.

"Pakistan has a long-standing business relationship with Russia. Our bilateral trade currently stands at approximately $1 billion, and there is significant potential to expand this by addressing financial and banking issues," Prime Minister Sharif stated.

He also emphasized the historical trade relations between the two countries, recalling the barter trade system of the 1950s to 1970s, where Pakistan imported machinery from Russia and exported textiles and leather goods.

In his discussion with President Putin, Prime Minister Sharif expressed a strong desire to further stabilize and enhance bilateral trade. He acknowledged the recent shipment of oil from Russia to Pakistan and indicated a keen interest in expanding cooperation in the energy sector. "We have received oil supply from Russia and aim to increase this further," he said.

The Prime Minister assured that Pakistan-Russia relations are resilient and independent of geopolitical changes or Pakistan's relations with other countries. "Our ties are based on strong foundations, and no geopolitical changes can affect these relations," he affirmed.

President Putin reciprocated the positive sentiments, recalling their previous interaction in Samarkand and expressing readiness to work together to improve bilateral relations.

He highlighted the potential for increased cooperation in energy, agriculture, and food security.

Prime Minister Sharif is in Astana to participate in the SCO Council of Heads of State meeting and the SCO Plus summit, accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar and other senior officials. During his visit, he will present Pakistan's perspective on regional and global issues, participate in trilateral talks with Turkey and Azerbaijan, and attend a dinner hosted by Kazakh President Qasim Jomart Tokayev.

This meeting marks a significant step in reinforcing the already strong ties between Pakistan and Russia, paving the way for enhanced cooperation and mutual benefit in various sectors.