Islamabad: The Senate today passed a resolution in connection with the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China. The resolution moved by the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar underscored the importance of continued practical partnership with China for shared prosperity, mutual benefit, and the socio-economic development of the peoples of both countries.
According to Radio Pakistan, the House expressed resolve to continue extending its full support for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. The resolution recognized that the Pak-China fraternal relationship, based on mutual trust and respect, shared aspirations, and an abiding commitment to peace, stability, development, and prosperity, has withstood all tests of time irrespective of the changing international environment. It emphasized that this relationship continues to be a source of strength, confidence, and reassurance for both nations.
The resolution appreciated China's support for Pakistan on issues concerning its core interest and for its steadfast support for Pakistan in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, as well as its support for Pakistan's efforts to safeguard national security, stability, development, and prosperity. The resolution reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering support to China on issues concerning its core interest and reiterated its firm commitment to the one-China principle, stating that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. It said Pakistan firmly supports China on issues concerning Xinjiang, Xizang, Hong Kong, and the South China Sea.
The resolution reaffirmed its heartfelt appreciation for the growing cooperation between the two countries in political, economic, strategic, educational, cultural, and people-to-people spheres, which continues to deepen the bonds of friendship between the two brotherly nations. The House expressed commitment to commemorate, in a befitting and dignified manner, the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China as a symbol of enduring brotherhood, trusted partnership, and ever-deepening cooperation.
Meanwhile, the Chinese delegation led by Vice Chairman of the National People's Congress Cai Dafeng witnessed proceedings of the Senate today. Welcoming the delegation, Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani said the visit of the Chinese delegation reflects the warmth, trust, and enduring goodwill that define Pakistan-China relations. He said both countries enjoy an ironclad friendship built on mutual respect, unwavering solidarity, and shared purpose. This time-tested cooperative relationship has only grown stronger with the passage of time and continues to inspire confidence in the peoples of both countries. He expressed hope that the visit will open new avenues of parliamentary and strategic cooperation between Pakistan and China.
In his welcome address, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Pakistan and China share a converging vision on regional and global issues. He said both countries are committed to upholding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter in the world facing complex challenges. He said over the past seven and a half decades, the relationship has grown from strength to strength into a robust economic and strategic partnership. The Deputy Prime Minister said the China Pakistan Economic Corridor stands as the flagship project of the Belt and Road initiative and a shining example of the shared vision for regional connectivity and prosperity. He said the CPEC has played a key role in transforming Pakistan's economic landscape.
Ishaq Dar said they look forward to the next phase of CPEC 2.0, focusing on industrialization, agriculture, IT, and socio-economic development. Regarding his forthcoming visit to China along with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, he noted that besides engaging with Chinese leadership and business enterprises, they would also have two meetings of very important mechanisms, namely the Pakistan China Political Forum and the CPEC joint consultative mechanism. He mentioned that a large multiparty parliamentary delegation would participate in many of these meetings. Ishaq Dar said Pakistan looks forward to working together with China for a shared future of peace, prosperity, and progress in the region and beyond.
The House has now been adjourned to meet again tomorrow at 01:00 p.m.