The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad, in collaboration with Xinhua News Agency, convened a high-level seminar at the Marriott Hotel Islamabad to mark 75 years of diplomatic relations and to chart the next phase of China Pakistan cooperation. Federal ministers, senior diplomats, scholars, media representatives and practitioners from both countries attended to discuss how initiatives such as the Global Governance Initiative and CPEC Phase II can deliver tangible benefits for Pakistan.
In a recorded message, Fu Hua, President of Xinhua News Agency, underscored the resilience of the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and framed the Global Governance Initiative as a pathway to a fairer international order. He pointed to CPEC as a practical example of those principles through infrastructure, connectivity and energy cooperation that contribute to regional prosperity and stability.
Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman Board of Governors at ISSI, welcomed participants and reiterated that the Pakistan China relationship is rooted in mutual trust and sovereign equality. He highlighted that CPEC has already enhanced Pakistan’s energy security and connectivity and said Phase II will prioritise industrial cooperation, agriculture modernisation, special economic zones, green development, innovation and people-centred socio-economic uplift.
The Chief Guest, Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, described CPEC as the most visible instrument of bilateral cooperation driving Pakistan’s transformation. He outlined five strategic corridors for CPEC Phase II—growth, livelihood, innovation, green development and opening-up with regional connectivity—calling for high-quality and inclusive projects that reach ordinary citizens.
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar emphasised the depth of the iron-clad friendship between the two countries and stressed that cultural exchanges, media cooperation and people-to-people ties are essential companions to economic projects. Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong noted CPEC’s achievements in energy, infrastructure and employment and spoke of an evolution toward high-quality development across agriculture, industry, science and technology and livelihood-focused initiatives.
The seminar included the launch of the English edition of the book China’s Governance under Xi Jinping’s Leadership and two thematic sessions. The first discussed how Pakistan China cooperation can advance the Global Governance Initiative while translating CPEC Phase II goals into skills development, SME growth and broader public benefit. The second session highlighted youth voices and long-term field engagement, illustrating how CPEC fosters trust, cultural understanding and enduring professional ties between communities.
Participants left the seminar reaffirming their commitment to deepen the China Pakistan partnership and to steer CPEC Phase II toward sustainable, inclusive outcomes. There was broad agreement that continued cooperation under global governance frameworks will bolster regional connectivity, green development and shared prosperity for future generations.
