Red carpet welcome as PM Shehbaz lands in China on official visit

TIANJIN (Dunya News) – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday reached Tianjin on an official visit to China at the invitation of President Xi Jinping.

He departed from Lahore for the trip, which will include high-level engagements in multiple Chinese cities.

Upon arrival in Tianjin, the prime minister was greeted with a red-carpet reception. Children presented flowers to welcome him, and he warmly responded by acknowledging them. The ceremonial welcome reflected the significance of the visit, which is centred on diplomatic, economic, and multilateral cooperation.

During his stay, Shehbaz Sharif will participate in the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Heads of State Summit. He is scheduled to address the gathering, where Pakistan’s stance on peace, regional connectivity, and prosperity for the people of the region will be outlined.

SCO summit

The prime minister is expected to draw attention to the severe impact of climate change on the region, including the growing challenges of natural disasters. He will also meet other world leaders attending the summit to discuss regional stability and multilateral partnerships.

Following his participation in Tianjin, Shehbaz Sharif will travel to Beijing at the invitation of President Xi Jinping. There, he will attend the 80th anniversary celebrations of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Victory, marking a historic event in China’s national memory.

Pakistan-China ties

In Beijing, the prime minister will hold bilateral meetings with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. The discussions are expected to cover trade, investment, and cooperation across multiple sectors.

Shehbaz Sharif will also preside over the second Business-to-Business (B2B) Investment Conference, organised to enhance Pakistan-China economic ties. He is set to meet with the heads of major Chinese companies to brief them on Pakistan’s investor-friendly policies and encourage new ventures in Pakistan.