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PM SHEHBAZ, PREMIER LI JOINTLY INAUGURATE RS 55B GWADAR INT’L AIRPORT Tuesday, 15 October, 2024 I | 11 Rabi ul Sani, 1446
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Rs 20.00 | Vol XV No 98 I 8 Pages I Karachi Edition
PM Shehbaz terms Gwadar Airport a gift g Gwadar Airport to serve as catalyst for economic prosperity, regional connectivity: Premier Li from China to people of Balochistan
Pakistan, China ink MoUs to further expand bilateral cooperation in multiple sectors ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
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ISLAMABAD MIAN ABRAR
RIME Ministers of Pakistan and China on Monday jointly inaugurated the Gwadar International Airport, a key component of the multi-billion-dollar CPEC project. The airport, located 26 kilometers northeast of the existing Gwadar airport, has been constructed at an estimated cost of Rs54.98 billion (approximately $240 million). Chinese government constructed the airport as a gift to the people of Balochistan from China. “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. Premier Li Qiang arrived at the Nur 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). Premier Li and Prime Minister Shehbaz stressed the need for timely comple-
Pakistan and China on Monday agreed to further enhance bilateral cooperation in multiple sectors including security, education, agriculture, human resources development and science and technology. In this regard, two sides exchanged documents of 13 accords at a ceremony held at PM House also witnessed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Qiang. The documents were exchanged after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Qiang held the delegation-level talks wherein they discussed all aspects of PakistanChina relations including economic and trade ties and cooperation under the China-Pakistan Economic Corrition of ongoing projects, particularly those related to industrialisation, agricultural modernisation, information technology, and science and technology. They acknowledged that CPEC cooperation has entered a new phase of development, which will bring long-term benefits to Pakistan’s socio-economic growth. Prime Minister Shehbaz assured Premier Li of Pakistan’s “unwavering commitment” to ensuring the safety of Chinese nationals and projects in the country. The leaders also discussed strategies to increase Chinese investment in Pakistan, including the relocation of Chinese
dor (CPEC). The two prime ministers, accompanied by their respective delegations witnessed the ceremony. Pakistan and China exchanged the documents of a Handing over certificate of Smart Classrooms Project inked by Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, and Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao. Pakistan and China exchanged the minutes of 13th meeting of the CPEC Joint Coordination Committee and 7th Joint Working Group on Gwadar under CPEC. Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal and Lou Zhaohui, Chairman of China International Development Cooperation Agency exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Promoting Cooperation on Livelihood Working Group of CPEC.
China, Pakistan to work together toward bright future of common progress, prosperity; says Chinese Premier Li Qiang RAWALPINDI
MIAN ABRAR
industries to Pakistan. The prime minister said that today, both sides had witnessed the signing and exchange of MoUs between the two countries in various fields of industry, commerce and agriculture. “No doubt these MoUs will shape into agreements very soon through joint efforts of both countries. Once again, I thank you for your visit to Pakistan out of your busy schedule which is a reflection of your commitment to promoting friendship between the two countries,” PM Shehbaz told the Chinese premier.
Chinese Premier Excellency Mr Li Qiang on Monday said that his visit to Pakistan was aimed at better sharing development opportunities between China and Pakistan and working together toward a bright future of common progress and prosperity. Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrived in Pakistan on Monday on a four-day bilateral visit, during which he will also attend the much-anticipated Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. The esteemed Chinese guest was received by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif upon his arrival at Rawalpindi’s Noor Khan Airbase and welcomed with a 21-gun salute. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and other top government officials were also present on the occasion. “Through this visit, I look forward to having extensive and in-depth exchanges with Pakistan leaders and people from all sectors on bilateral relations and matters of mutual interest, carrying forward the traditional friendship, deepening mutually beneficial cooperation, better sharing development opportunities, and working together toward a bright future of common progress and prosperity,” said the Chinese Premier in a statement soon after his landing here at the Nur Khan Airport.
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