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Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has formally accepted the Honorary Chairmanship of the Pakistan-China Research Center for Party and State Governance, reaffirming his commitment to promoting parliamentary cooperation, institutional exchanges, policy research and mutual learning between Pakistan and China.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony of the Pakistan-China Research Center for Party and State Governance as Chief Guest, Mr. Gilani welcomed the establishment of the Center by the Pakistan-China Economic and Cultural Council (PCECC) and expressed gratitude for being invited to serve as its Honorary Chairman. He said the Center would provide an important institutional platform for research, policy dialogue and practical cooperation, bringing together scholars, universities, think tanks, public institutions and parliamentary forums of both countries.

The Chairman Senate expressed confidence that the Center would contribute to strengthening multidimensional Pakistan-China cooperation by bridging the gap between academic research and policymaking. He said that, as Honorary Chairman, he would encourage greater engagement between the Center and parliamentary institutions, while promoting exchanges among parliamentarians, policymakers, academics and younger generations of the two countries.

Mr. Gilani warmly welcomed Leo Hye-shing, Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, and his distinguished delegation to Pakistan. He said that China's experience in governance, institutional development, long-term planning and economic transformation offered valuable insights for strengthening Pakistan's legislative and policy institutions.

Referring to the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, the Chairman Senate said that the Senate of Pakistan had commemorated this historic milestone through a unanimous resolution, reaffirming that the friendship between the two countries transcended political affiliations and social backgrounds. He described the relationship as an enduring partnership based on mutual trust, respect and an unwavering commitment to an all-weather friendship.

Recalling his engagements with Chinese leadership, Mr. Gilani mentioned welcoming Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao to the Parliament of Pakistan in 2010 during his tenure as Prime Minister, as well as receiving a high-level delegation of the National People's Congress during his tenure as Chairman Senate. He said such exchanges reflected the depth and continuity of bilateral parliamentary relations.

Highlighting China's experience in poverty reduction, rural development, digital governance, industrial growth and public administration, Mr. Gilani observed that these areas offered valuable opportunities for academic research and institutional learning. He emphasized that the Senate of Pakistan remained committed to strengthening its legislative and oversight functions through informed decision-making and the adoption of successful governance practices.

On economic cooperation, the Chairman Senate observed that CPEC 2.0 offered significant opportunities to expand collaboration in agriculture, industrial development, information technology, innovation, green growth and regional connectivity. He stressed that the next phase of the partnership should focus on translating these opportunities into tangible outcomes, including investment, employment generation, skills development and improved living standards.

 

The Chairman Senate also visited the photo exhibition showcasing the history of Pakistan-China relations and appreciated the initiative saying that the photographs reflected much more than diplomatic milestones, depicting an enduring friendship rooted in mutual respect, trust and people-to-people connections. Recalling his family's historical association with China, he noted that his father had visited China in 1956 as a member of Pakistan's first Constituent Assembly, describing this connection as a cherished legacy that must be carried forward by future generations.

Concluding his address, the Chairman Senate underscored that Pakistan-China friendship was not merely a legacy of the past but a shared responsibility for the future. He expressed confidence that the Pakistan-China Research Center would play a constructive role in advancing research, strengthening institutional linkages and deepening cooperation between the two countries.

"Our friendship is a legacy, but its future is a shared responsibility," he remarked, reaffirming his commitment to further strengthening the longstanding partnership between Pakistan and China.

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