Islamabad, 31 July, 2023 (GNP): Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng has arrived in Pakistan for a three-day visit to mark the 10-year anniversary of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project. This special visit by He Lifeng, a member of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, highlights the strong bond between the two nations.
WELCOME
H.E He Lifeng Chinese Vice Premier
CELEBRATING
A Decade of CPEC Together #PakChinaFriendship pic.twitter.com/xH8cP898G4— CPEC Official (@CPEC_Official) July 31, 2023
As a gesture of their enduring alliance, Chinese President Xi Jinping personally sent Vice Premier He Lifeng to attend the celebrations of CPEC’s decade of progress. The Chinese dignitary’s arrival was warmly welcomed on Sunday evening at Islamabad, where he was received by Minister for Interior Rana Sanaullah, Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal, Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi, and Chinese Chargé d’Affaires Pang Chunxue.
The Pakistani capital, Islamabad, radiated with green and red lights, symbolizing the colors of both nations’ flags along the Constitution Avenue. The President House adorned these colors as well, signifying the significance of the occasion.
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This visit is an opportunity for Pakistan and China to reaffirm their commitment to the “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership,” strengthen support on core issues, enhance economic and financial cooperation, and advance the high-quality development of CPEC. Both nations also seek to explore new avenues for bolstering trade and investment ties.
“Vice Premier He Lifeng has played a pivotal role in China’s international economic relations and the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative, with CPEC being a flagship project. As the Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission (2017-23), he has been instrumental in planning and executing multiple CPEC projects in Pakistan,” stated the Foreign Office while announcing the visit.
The Chinese Foreign Office emphasized the time-honored friendship between China and Pakistan, highlighting that the visit is an opportunity to deepen strategic communication and practical cooperation. China aims to foster an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in this new era, contributing positive energy to the region and beyond.
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During his visit, Vice Premier He Lifeng will meet with the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan, engaging in crucial high-level exchanges. In prior discussions at the foreign minister’s level, China has also focused on matters concerning Afghanistan, seeking to build consensus and trust to promote peace, stability, development, and prosperity in the region.
In light of the momentous occasion, a notification issued by the district magistrate of Islamabad has declared that public and private schools, universities, colleges, companies, markets, shops, and commercial banks will remain closed on July 31 (Monday) and August 1.
Invitations have been extended to the Prime Minister, four provincial governors, chief ministers, heads of the armed forces, Speaker of the National Assembly, Chairman of the Senate, and leaders of constitutional institutions to participate in the 10-year celebrations of CPEC.