Gwadar International Airport Inaugurated as Part of Expanded Cooperation
On October 14, 2024, Pakistan and China agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation across various sectors, including security, education, agriculture, human resources, and science and technology. The agreement was formalized during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Qiang to Islamabad, where he held talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
A highlight of the visit was the exchange of 13 agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) at a ceremony witnessed by the two leaders at the Prime Minister’s House. These documents included the completion of the 13th meeting of the CPEC Joint Coordination Committee and advancements in the Gwadar projects, reaffirming both countries’ commitment to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Additionally, the two leaders virtually inaugurated the Gwadar International Airport, which PM Shehbaz hailed as a “gift” from China.
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), PM Shehbaz shared, “We discussed enhancing cooperation in areas including trade, economy, energy, agriculture, IT, and defense, while also addressing regional peace and security. Our strategic partnership remains key to regional stability.”
As part of the agreements signed:
- Pakistan and China exchanged documents on Smart Classrooms Project, witnessed by Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema and Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao.
- An MoU on Water Conservancy, Flood Control, and Calamity Reduction was exchanged by Pakistani and Chinese officials.
- The two sides formalized cooperation on human resources development, fire-fighting vehicle assistance, and the co-production of TV programs.
- Science and technology collaboration was reinforced through agreements on joint laboratories.
- A protocol for exporting donkey meat to China was also finalized between the Ministry of Food Security and China’s representatives.
Moreover, the Currency Swap Agreement between the People’s Bank of China and the State Bank of Pakistan was announced, aimed at easing financial transactions between the two countries.
Premier Li’s four-day visit underscores Pakistan and China’s continued strategic alliance, emphasizing regional stability and mutual prosperity under the CPEC framework.
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