The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), in collaboration with Xinhua News Agency, hosted a commemorative seminar titled "75 Years of Friendship: China-Pakistan Joint Contributions to the Global Governance Initiative and CPEC" at Marriott Hotel Islamabad. The event brought together federal ministers, senior diplomats, scholars, media representatives, and practitioners from both nations to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations and reflect on the evolving trajectory of the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership.
Keynote Addresses and Messages
In a video message, Mr. Fu Hua, President of Xinhua News Agency, extended felicitations and reaffirmed the enduring strength of the partnership. He noted consistent mutual support through changing international circumstances, setting a model of state-to-state relations based on mutual trust, solidarity, and shared interests. He emphasized that the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), envisioned by President Xi Jinping, promotes a more equitable international order, highlighting CPEC as a practical embodiment through infrastructure, connectivity, energy cooperation, and regional prosperity. He also underlined the role of media and think tanks in enhancing mutual understanding and people-to-people ties.
Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman BoG ISSI, described the relations as an all-weather strategic cooperative partnership anchored in mutual trust and sovereign equality. He emphasized that the partnership is a pillar of regional peace and stability, noting CPEC's contributions to energy security, infrastructure, and connectivity. He stated that CPEC Phase-II will focus on industrial cooperation, agriculture modernization, special economic zones, green development, innovation, and people-centric socio-economic uplift.
Mr. Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, described the relations as a unique strategic partnership built on trust and mutual support. He highlighted CPEC as a key driver of Pakistan's socio-economic transformation and outlined Phase-II priorities under five strategic corridors: Growth, Livelihood, Innovation, Green Development, and Opening-Up and Regional Connectivity.
Mr. Attaullah Tarar, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, described the friendship as "iron-clad," rooted in mutual trust and shared aspirations. He noted CPEC as a transformative initiative for connectivity, development, and prosperity, stressing the importance of cultural exchanges, media cooperation, and people-to-people contacts.
H.E. Jiang Zaidong, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, termed the 75th anniversary a major milestone, underscoring sustained high-level exchanges and deepening strategic trust. He reiterated CPEC as the central pillar of Belt and Road cooperation, with achievements in energy, infrastructure, investment, and employment. He highlighted its evolution toward high-quality development through agriculture, industry, mining, science and technology, and livelihood initiatives, reaffirming commitment to global governance principles of multilateralism and sovereign equality.
Thematic Sessions
The seminar featured the presentation of the book "China's Governance under Xi Jinping's Leadership (English Edition)." The first thematic session, chaired by Ambassador Naghmana Hashmi, focused on Pakistan-China cooperation in advancing the Global Governance Initiative and CPEC Phase-II. Speakers highlighted the importance of inclusive global governance and CPEC's role in translating principles into practical outcomes through connectivity, industrial cooperation, innovation, green development, and livelihood enhancement. The discussion underscored the need to ensure benefits reach ordinary citizens through skills development, education, and SME growth, while strengthening media narratives and policy coordination.
The second session, chaired by Mr. Tang Binhui, Head of Xinhua's Islamabad Bureau, focused on "Pakistan-China Young Talents' CPEC Story Sharing," highlighting the human dimension of CPEC. Speakers shared personal experiences of collaboration, including field engagement in infrastructure and energy projects, academic exchanges, and professional development. They emphasized that CPEC is a bridge between societies, fostering trust, cultural understanding, and lifelong bonds.
Conclusion
The seminar concluded with a strong reaffirmation of the enduring Pakistan-China friendship and a shared commitment to advancing high-quality development, deepening regional connectivity, and promoting a more inclusive international order. Participants expressed confidence that the evolution of CPEC and cooperation under global governance initiatives will further strengthen the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and contribute to regional peace, stability, and shared prosperity.
