Chairman Senate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, warmly welcomed a high-level delegation led by Cai Dafeng, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) of China, during an important meeting held at Parliament House, Islamabad.
During the meeting, Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani emphasized that the enduring friendship between Pakistan and China remains a cornerstone for peace, stability, development, and prosperity in the region. He noted that the completion of 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries reflects the historic and time-tested bond shared by the peoples of Pakistan and China.
Highlighting the significance of parliamentary diplomacy, Chairman Senate Gilani said that parliamentary exchanges and institutional cooperation between the Senate of Pakistan and the National People’s Congress of China are playing a pivotal role in further strengthening bilateral relations. He stressed that sustained engagement between lawmakers of both countries would deepen mutual understanding and enhance cooperation across multiple sectors.
Chairman Senate Gilani observed that Pakistan-China relations are founded on mutual trust, respect, goodwill, and unwavering support for each other’s core interests. Recalling his numerous visits to China while serving in different national capacities, he said he had the privilege of meeting Chinese leadership, including the President, Prime Minister, and senior ministers, while also visiting various regions of China. He added that these engagements led to several important agreements aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Referring to the historic foundations of Pakistan-China friendship, Chairman Senate Gilani stated that visionary leaders including Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Mao Zedong, and Zhou Enlai laid the strong foundation of this iron-clad friendship, which continues to grow stronger with every passing generation.
Chairman Senate Gilani underscored that China remains Pakistan’s closest friend and most reliable strategic partner, while Pakistan highly values China’s consistent support at regional and international forums. He highlighted that cooperation in trade, economy, culture, infrastructure development, and connectivity has significantly contributed to regional progress.
Focusing on future cooperation, Chairman Senate Gilani reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening collaboration under the framework of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. He stated that Pakistan seeks enhanced cooperation with China in agriculture, energy, mining, education, information technology, green technology, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, fintech, agri-tech, and the Digital CPEC initiative.
He termed CPEC the cornerstone of Pakistan-China strategic partnership and reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to transform the corridor into a hub of innovation, sustainable development, and economic prosperity. He further welcomed increased Chinese investment in Special Economic Zones and environmentally sustainable projects.
Chairman Senate Gilani also highlighted the importance of people-to-people contacts, cultural exchanges, and parliamentary engagement in further consolidating bilateral ties. He remarked that his long political experience had convinced him that stronger public and parliamentary connections are essential for taking Pakistan-China friendship to new heights.
Discussing regional and international affairs, Chairman Senate Gilani reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to peace and dialogue. He said that Pakistan continues to play a constructive role in promoting regional stability and reducing tensions, including efforts aimed at de-escalation in the Middle East. He emphasized that Pakistan believes all disputes should be resolved through diplomacy and negotiations.
The Chairman Senate further noted that Pakistan-China defense cooperation serves as a symbol of mutual trust and contributes significantly to peace, stability, and security in the region.
Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, Cai Dafeng, thanked Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani and members of the Senate for the warm welcome accorded to the Chinese delegation. He stated that China attaches great importance to its brotherly relations with Pakistan and remains committed to enhancing cooperation in diplomatic, parliamentary, economic, and development sectors.
Cai Dafeng appreciated the unanimous support expressed by Pakistan’s Upper House for Pakistan-China friendship and emphasized that parliamentary forums can play a crucial role in addressing global challenges through dialogue and cooperation.
The meeting was attended by prominent parliamentarians and officials including Sherry Rehman, Saleem Mandviwalla, Rana Sanaullah, Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah, Romina Khurshid Alam, and Jiang Zaidong, among others.
Earlier, while presiding over Senate Session, Chairman Senate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani warmly welcomed Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China, Cai Dafeng, and his delegation describing Pakistan-China friendship as a timeless bond based on mutual trust, respect, and unwavering cooperation.
Chairman Senate said that the completion of 75 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China reflects the strength of the ironclad friendship between the two countries. He stated that the bilateral relationship has grown stronger over time and continues to serve as a symbol of shared progress and strategic partnership.
Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani recalled the historic address delivered by former Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao to the joint sitting of the Parliament of Pakistan on 18 December 2010, terming it a landmark moment in parliamentary and diplomatic relations between the two nations.
He further emphasized the importance of parliamentary exchanges between Pakistan and China, stating that such engagements enhance mutual understanding and cooperation between the legislatures of both countries. He expressed confidence that the visit of the Chinese delegation would further deepen parliamentary and strategic ties between Pakistan and China.
