Chairman Senate 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 inaugural ceremony of the research center as chief guest, 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 stated that 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 from both countries. Gilani expressed confidence that the center would contribute to strengthening multidimensional Pakistan-China cooperation by bridging the gap between academic research and policymaking.
Gilani warmly welcomed Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, and his distinguished delegation to Pakistan. Referring to the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, Gilani noted that the Senate of Pakistan had commemorated this historic milestone through a unanimous resolution, reaffirming that the friendship between the two countries transcends political affiliations and social backgrounds.
The Chairman Senate emphasized that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) remains the flagship project of the bilateral relationship, serving as a catalyst for regional connectivity and economic prosperity. He highlighted that the new research center would play a pivotal role in analyzing the socio-economic impacts of CPEC and providing evidence-based recommendations to further enhance the project's efficiency and reach.
Furthermore, Gilani underscored the importance of people-to-people contacts, noting that the exchange of ideas between the youth and intellectuals of both nations is essential for the long-term sustainability of the iron-clad friendship. He urged the leadership of the research center to prioritize initiatives that foster cultural understanding and academic collaboration.
Liu Jianchao, in his remarks, appreciated the role of the Senate of Pakistan in fostering bilateral ties and expressed his support for the new research initiative. He noted that the CPC is committed to sharing governance experiences with Pakistan to support its development goals and stability.
The event concluded with a commitment from both sides to continue high-level engagements and to utilize the research center as a bridge for future policy alignment. The establishment of this center is viewed as a strategic move to deepen the strategic partnership between Islamabad and Beijing in an evolving global landscape.