On the afternoon of October 8, 2019, Premier Li Keqiang held talks with Prime Minister Imran Khan of Pakistan, who was in China for the closing ceremony of the International Horticultural Exhibition 2019 Beijing and for a working visit, at the Great Hall of the People.

Li Keqiang first expressed his sincere condolences to the Pakistani government and people on Pakistan's recent severe earthquake disaster. He said, China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic cooperative partners, and bilateral friendship, which has no strings attached and is not targeted at any third party, enjoys a profound and solid foundation and wins the heartfelt support of the two peoples. The Chinese side attaches great importance to Mr. Prime Minister's visit to China. President Xi Jinping will meet with you. China-Pakistan relations have always been a priority for the Chinese side's neighborhood diplomacy. The Chinese side firmly supports the Pakistani side in safeguarding its national independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and legitimate rights and interests, in promoting its national prosperity and revitalization, and in playing a greater role in international and regional affairs. We are willing to work with the Pakistani side to continue to deepen strategic mutual trust, expand practical cooperation, intensify people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and elevate bilateral relations and cooperation to new highs.

Li Keqiang pointed out, China-Pakistan cooperation is not only in line with both countries' interests, but also beneficial to regional peace and stability. The Chinese side is glad to see that Pakistan has managed to get through its economic hard times, and is willing to continue to provide assistance to the Pakistani side within its capacity. We are ready to work with the Pakistani side to seek greater synergy of development strategies, continue to promote the high-quality development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), strengthen cooperation in such fields as infrastructure, economy, trade, finance and industrial capacity, take strong measures to facilitate a more balanced development of bilateral trade, expand the export of competitive Pakistani products to China via the protocol to the second phase of the China-Pakistan free trade agreement, and protect the safety of Chinese institutions and personnel in Pakistan, in a bid to promote mutual benefit, win-win results and common development.

Imran Khan extended congratulations on the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. He said, thanks to China's assistance and support, Pakistan's economy has stabilized and gradually recovered, which showcases the strong Pakistan-China all-weather friendship. The Pakistani side stands ready to work with the Chinese side to accelerate the joint building of the Belt and Road Initiative. Attaching great importance to the construction of the CPEC and Gwadar Port, the Pakistani side is willing to work with the Chinese side to expand trade and investment, and promote cooperation in fields including energy, hydroelectricity, nuclear power, railway and agriculture, in a bid to constantly push for new progress in bilateral relations.

After the talks, Premier Li Keqiang and Prime Minister Imran Khan witnessed the signing of multiple bilateral cooperation documents in such fields as infrastructure construction, law enforcement and security, culture, education and media.

Prior to the talks, Li Keqiang held a welcome ceremony for Imran Khan at the square outside the East Gate of the Great Hall of the People.

State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Director of the National Development and Reform Commission He Lifeng, Vice Chairman of the CPPCC National Committee Gu Shengzu and others were present at relevant activities.