ISLAMABAD (PEN) : At a high-level symposium commemorating the 10th anniversary of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s landmark 2015 visit to Pakistan, leaders and diplomats from both nations reaffirmed their commitment to deepening strategic ties, particularly under the framework of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Organized jointly by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese Embassy, the event titled “Jointly Build the China-Pakistan Community with a Shared Future” brought together top officials, diplomats, scholars, and journalists to celebrate a decade of collaboration.
Ambassador Jiang Calls for Stronger Bilateral Unity
Speaking at the symposium, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong praised the strength of the China-Pakistan relationship, describing it as an “all-weather strategic cooperative partnership.” Reflecting on President Xi’s 28-hour visit in April 2015, the ambassador recalled the signing of 51 cooperation agreements, including the launch of the $46 billion CPEC initiative.
“Let us join hands and stand united to meet the challenges, build an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era,” said Ambassador Jiang.
He highlighted five key pillars of past and future cooperation:
– Strategic trust and unwavering support on core national interests
– Development collaboration, including energy, trade, and infrastructure via CPEC
– People-to-people ties, including student exchanges and cultural partnerships
– Security cooperation, through joint drills and disaster aid coordination
– Multilateral engagement, especially at platforms like the UN and SCO
Pakistan Hails China’s Investment and Vision
Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch termed the occasion a celebration of a resilient and forward-looking relationship. She emphasized that CPEC provided a “structured framework for cooperation” that continues to evolve, citing recent high-level reciprocal visits between Pakistani and Chinese leaders.
> “This is more than a remembrance—it is a reaffirmation of shared vision and mutual trust,” she noted.
CPEC as a Symbol of Strategic Confidence
Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed, Chairman of the Pakistan-China Institute, described CPEC as “a testament to China’s confidence in Pakistan’s future.” He recalled President Xi’s historic speech to Pakistan’s Parliament, which was met with more than 50 rounds of applause—a symbol of the goodwill between the two nations.
Legacy of Xi Jinping’s Visit
Former ambassador to China Naghmana Alamgir Hashmi credited President Xi’s 2015 visit with translating the idea of regional connectivity into real-world progress. She pointed to the development of critical infrastructure, energy projects, and transport links as proof of the visit’s transformative impact.
Future Roadmap: Shared Prosperity and Strategic Vision
Looking ahead, Ambassador Jiang outlined five strategic priorities to guide future cooperation:
1. Deepening strategic trust
2. Aligning the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)* with Pakistan’s 5Es framework (Export, Energy, Environment, Equity, and Empowerment)
3. Strengthening security and counterterrorism collaboration
4. Expanding educational and cultural exchanges
5. Enhancing joint advocacy on global platforms
With the 75th anniversary of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations approaching in 2026, both sides expressed optimism for continued growth, stability, and shared prosperity.
