23rd SCO Summit: CM Maryam Welcomes Chinese Premier and International Leaders

On Monday, October 15–16, in Islamabad, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif presented a warm welcome to Chinese Premier Li Qiang and all other esteemed attendees of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit Conference.

She greeted everyone and said, “Welcome to Pakistan for the 23rd meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit Conference,” highlighting how important it is when heads of state arrive. She mentioned that new opportunities for collaboration will arise from the SCO summit. “Organising the SCO Summit Conference is an honour for the entire nation,” the Chief Minister said, stressing that cooperation is the key to achieving the objectives of economic development and poverty reduction. 

The summit, she claimed, might shift Pakistan’s course. “On behalf of the Punjab government and its people, we wholeheartedly welcome Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang. His visit marks the beginning of a new chapter in our mutual friendship.”  She emphasised that China-Pakistan relations are essential for regional peace, prosperity, and development, referring to their strong connections to Muhammad Nawaz Sharif’s leadership and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s continuous efforts.

She added that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects will pick up speed with the visit of the Chinese prime minister, creating a lot of employment opportunities. “Our friendship with China is built on a solid foundation of respect and trust,” she said, citing the two countries’ long history of helping one another out in difficult times. Maryam stressed that Pakistan and China are becoming closer every day as they work together to create a prosperous and peaceful future. She also emphasised China’s commitment to international prosperity and how its economic growth benefits people all over the world through the Belt and Road Initiative.