PM Shehbaz inaugurates Gwadar International Airport on Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s visit

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday virtually inaugurated the Gwadar International Airport amid the visit of Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang, terming it a “gift” from the allied nation.
PM Shehbaz’s Chinese counterpart arrived earlier today in Pakistan for a four-day bilateral visit. During his visit, Premier Li will also attend the much-anticipated 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting of the Council of the Heads of Government (CHG), which is taking place on October 15 and 16 amid stringent security measures.The government has announced a three-day public holiday in Islamabad, with schools and businesses shut, and large contingents of police and paramilitary forces deployed.
Li’s visit to Pakistan is said to be the first by a Chinese premier in 11 years, with the last one by Li Keqiang in May 2013.
Addressing a ceremony of the newly completed airport’s virtual inauguration with the Chinese premier, PM Shehbaz said the landmark achievement was all about the time-tested friendship between the two countries.
The two leaders were present to unveil the plaque of Gwadar International Airport. The ceremony was attended by members of both delegations, ministers, military leadership and senior officials. Shehbaz expressed hope that the completion of the airport would transform Gwadar’s economy in particular and the economy of Pakistan in general. Shehbaz said the completion showed the Chinese leadership’s commitment and dedication to support Pakistan’s economic agenda and to help develop its backward areas.
The prime minister said both sides had witnessed the signing and exchange of memorandums of understanding (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,” he told the Chinese
premier…Source: dawn.com/news