Mr. Chairman,
1.    It is a great honour for me to welcome our distinguished guest, Excellency Cai Dafeng, and honorable delegation from the People’s Republic of China to the Senate of Pakistan. 

2.    Today, we celebrate 75 years of establishment of diplomatic relation between Pakistan and China. Our "All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership" has stood all tests of time. Our relationship is based on mutual trust, mutual respect, and mutual benefit.

3.    We deeply appreciate China’s consistent support for Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Likewise, Pakistan firmly upholds the One-China principle and supports China on all its core interests. Our recent joint initiatives to promote peace and stability in the Gulf and the Middle East reflect our shared sense of responsibility as peace loving nations to contribute positively to global security and stability. 

4.    Pakistan and China share a converging vision on regional and global issues. We are committed to upholding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. In a world facing complex challenges, our coordination at the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and other international forums has been vital in defending the interests of developing nations and promoting global peace.

5.    Over the past seven and a half decades, our relationship has grown from strength to strength into a robust economic and strategic partnership. From the Karakoram Highway to Gwadar Port, the symbols of Pak-China friendship are spread all across Pakistan’s geography. 

6.    The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) stands as the flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative and a shining example of our shared vision for regional connectivity and prosperity. CPEC has played a key role in transforming Pakistan’s economic landscape. We look forward to its next phase CPEC 2.0, focusing on industrialization, agriculture, and socio-economic development. We are confident that the benefits of Pak-China partnership will reach every citizen of Pakistan.

Mr. Chairman,

7.    In today’s turbulent world, the role of parliamentary diplomacy has significantly increased. The Senate of Pakistan has always supported stronger Pakistan-China relations. Visits such as that of Excellency Cai Dafeng further deepen understanding between our institutions and peoples.

8.    Being myself a Parliamentarian throughout the period since 1993, I firmly believe in structured and regular parliamentary exchanges. This helps to build consensus and shore up wisdom of Pakistani political parties across the political spectrum.

9.    I will be accompanying the Prime Minister Mr.Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif during his forthcoming State visit to China 23-26 May. During the visit, besides having engagements with the Chinese leadership and business enterprises, we would also be holding meetings of two very important mechanisms i.e. Pakistan-China Political Parties Forum; and CPEC Joint Consultative Mechanism. A large multi-party parliamentary delegation from Pakistan will participate in these meetings.

10.    To conclude, I once again extend heartfelt congratulations to the leadership and people of both Pakistan and China on 75th anniversary of China-Pakistan diplomatic relations. We look forward to working together for a shared future of peace, prosperity, and progress in our region and beyond. 
Thank you.

Pakistan-China friendship zindabad.
Long live China-Pakistan friendship!
Xie Xie

Islamabad
May 20, 2026