ISLAMABAD: Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng reached Islamabad on Sunday evening on a two-day official visit to attend the 10th-anniversary celebrations of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The Chinese vice prime minister was due in the federal capital at the invitation of the Government of Pakistan. He is the Special Envoy of President Xi Jinping and Member of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Communist Party.
Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal and Minister for Interior Rana Sanaullah received the visiting dignitary at the airport.
During his visit, He Lifeng will call on President Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He will also be the chief guest at an event celebrating the ‘Decade of CPEC’”
The Foreign Office spokesperson said Vice Premier He Lifeng has played a prominent role in China’s international economic relations and implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative, of which CPEC is a flagship project.”
As the Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission (2017-23), he was instrumental in the planning and execution of multiple CPEC projects in Pakistan, the spokesperson added.
The spokesperson further said the visit is part of regular high-level exchanges and dialogue between Pakistan and China. It reflects the importance attached by Pakistan and China to further deepen their ‘All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership’.
The visit reaffirms support on issues of each other core interests; enhance economic and financial cooperation, advance high-quality development of CPEC, and explore new avenues for strengthening trade and investment ties between the two countries.
???????????????????? Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal welcomes H.E He Lifeng, Vice Premier of China, at Islamabad Airport! ????
Strengthening bonds with China and gearing up for the historic “Decade of CPEC Conference” on July 31, 2023. A testament to enduring partnerships & commitment to progress pic.twitter.com/vTAs2Y9afK
— Ministry of Planning and Development (@PlanComPakistan) July 30, 2023
