The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), in partnership with Xinhua News Agency, convened a seminar at the Marriott Hotel Islamabad to mark 75 years of diplomatic ties and to assess China Pakistan cooperation under the Global Governance Initiative and CPEC. Federal ministers, senior diplomats, scholars and media representatives from both countries discussed the evolving all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and its implications for Pakistan’s development.
In a video message, Fu Hua, President of Xinhua News Agency, congratulated both countries on the anniversary and linked the Global Governance Initiative to the practical work of CPEC, highlighting connectivity, infrastructure and energy cooperation as drivers of regional prosperity. He also underscored the role of media and think tanks in deepening mutual understanding.
Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman Board of Governors ISSI, described the relationship as anchored in mutual trust and sovereign equality and said CPEC has been central to Pakistan’s energy security and infrastructure gains. He noted that CPEC Phase II will prioritise industrial cooperation, agricultural modernisation, special economic zones, green development, innovation and people-centred welfare.
Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal outlined CPEC Phase II under five strategic corridors—Growth, Livelihood, Innovation, Green Development and Opening-Up and Regional Connectivity—emphasising high-quality and inclusive development as the next phase of bilateral cooperation. Federal Minister Attaullah Tarar called the partnership an iron-clad friendship and stressed cultural exchange, media cooperation and people-to-people contacts to deepen ties beyond projects.
The Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, H.E. Jiang Zaidong, described the anniversary as a milestone and reaffirmed CPEC as the central pillar of Belt and Road cooperation, noting achievements in energy, infrastructure, investment and employment while pointing to expanding cooperation in agriculture, mining, science and technology and livelihood projects.
The seminar included the presentation of the English edition of the book China’s Governance under Xi Jinping’s Leadership and two thematic sessions. The first session, chaired by Ambassador Naghmana Hashmi, examined how Pakistan and China can advance the Global Governance Initiative alongside CPEC Phase II to deliver tangible benefits through connectivity, industrial collaboration and skills development for ordinary citizens.
The second session, chaired by Tang Binhui of Xinhua’s Islamabad Bureau, put the human dimension of CPEC centre stage through Pakistan-China young talents’ stories, illustrating long-term field engagement in infrastructure and energy projects, academic exchanges and professional development that strengthen people-to-people bonds.
Participants concluded by reaffirming the enduring China Pakistan friendship and a shared commitment to advance high-quality development, deepen regional connectivity and promote a more inclusive international order. The continued evolution of CPEC and cooperation under global governance initiatives was framed as key to Pakistan’s socio-economic transformation and regional stability.
