On October 14, local time, Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attended the completion ceremony of the Gwadar New International Airport project at the Prime Minister’s Office in Pakistan.

In his remarks, Premier Li highlighted that the new airport is a crucial facility for establishing Gwadar Port as a hub for regional connectivity and a significant milestone in the deeper development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Since its initiation, CPEC has achieved significant results through the collaborative efforts of both nations, playing a positive role in promoting Pakistan’s socio-economic development and regional integration. Li expressed China’s willingness to work alongside Pakistan to continue advancing the initiative, adhering to principles of mutual consultation, collaborative construction, shared benefits, openness, sustainability, and high standards, ultimately transforming CPEC into a model project for the high-quality Belt and Road Initiative.

Li further noted that the new airport also embodies the strong friendship between China and Pakistan. Under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and Pakistani leaders, the all-weather strategic partnership between the two countries has deepened, demonstrating resilience amid changing global dynamics. Looking ahead, Li expressed China’s commitment to continue working hand in hand with Pakistan to accelerate the establishment of a closer community of shared destiny for both nations, aiming to better benefit their peoples.

In his address, Prime Minister Shehbaz referred to the Gwadar New International Airport project as yet another symbolic representation of Pakistan-China friendship. The completion of this project is expected to unlock the full potential of Gwadar Port, bringing unprecedented development opportunities to Pakistan. He expressed Pakistan’s eagerness to further enhance cooperation with China in upgrading CPEC and achieving more fruitful results in building a community of shared destiny for both nations.