Li and Shehbaz virtually inaugurated the CPEC-built international airport in Gwadar - a coastal city housing a Chinese-controlled deep-water port on the Arabian Sea. In his remarks, Li termed the completion of the airport project a significant milestone under CPEC.
"Under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and the Pakistani leadership, our all-weather strategic cooperative partnership is constantly deepening. What we have is a unique and unbreakable iron-clad friendship that has stood the test of a changing international landscape," Li stated.
Addressing the ceremony, which was broadcast live, Premier Li further stated the completion of this critical infrastructure project of Gwadar Airport was a significant milestone in enhancing regional connectivity. He termed it a "world-class airport" that reflected the strength of the Pak-China friendship.
"The airport's completion will facilitate increased international trade and accelerate development in Pakistan's western regions, particularly Gwadar," he said, commending the efforts of both nations' workforces. He stressed that prosperity of Pakistan and its people was a priority for China.
"This airport is not just an infrastructure project; it is a symbol of the close cooperation between our countries. We are committed to working together for mutual development, and this partnership grows stronger with time," he said.
In his brief speech, Prime Minister Shehbaz thanked the Chinese premier for building the airport as a gift to Pakistan. "I want to assure you that I will work with you very closely to promote peace and security for the people of China in Pakistan," he added.
