ISLAMABAD, May 20 /DNA/ – Pakistan’s Senate on Wednesday passed a unanimous resolution commemorating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, with top leadership reaffirming the “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership” as a bedrock of regional stability and shared prosperity.

Ahead of the resolution’s adoption, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister [Name as applicable; original text says “DPM/FM” but speech delivered by a Senate leader? The speech text says “I will be accompanying the Prime Minister” – assuming the DPM/FM delivered it] delivered wide-ranging remarks in the upper house, welcoming a high-level Chinese delegation led by Excellency Cai Dafeng.

“Our relationship is based on mutual trust, mutual respect, and mutual benefit,” the DPM/FM stated, emphasizing that the bond has withstood all tests of time. He deeply appreciated China’s consistent support for Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while reaffirming Pakistan’s firm adherence to the One-China principle and support for China on all core interests.

The Deputy Prime Minister also spotlighted recent joint initiatives to promote peace and stability in the Gulf and the Middle East, describing them as a reflection of both nations’ shared responsibility as “peace-loving nations.”

CPEC 2.0 and Parliamentary Diplomacy

The DPM/FM noted that over 75 years, the relationship has matured into a robust economic and strategic partnership, with symbols of friendship—from the Karakoram Highway to Gwadar Port—spread across Pakistan’s geography. He singled out the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as the flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative, crediting it with transforming Pakistan’s economic landscape.

“We look forward to its next phase, CPEC 2.0, focusing on industrialization, agriculture, and socio-economic development,” he said, expressing confidence that the benefits of the partnership will reach every citizen of Pakistan.

In a world of growing turbulence, the Deputy Prime Minister underscored the rising importance of parliamentary diplomacy. He welcomed the visit of Excellency Cai Dafeng as a means to deepen understanding between institutions and peoples. Speaking as a parliamentarian since 1993, he called for structured, regular parliamentary exchanges to build cross-party consensus.

Upcoming State Visit to China

The DPM/FM announced that he will accompany Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on a state visit to China from May 23-26. During the visit, the leadership will hold meetings of two key mechanisms: the Pakistan-China Political Parties Forum and the CPEC Joint Consultative Mechanism. A large, multi-party parliamentary delegation from Pakistan will participate in these meetings.

Concluding his address, the Deputy Prime Minister extended heartfelt congratulations to the leadership and people of both nations, and looked forward to working together for “a shared future of peace, prosperity, and progress in our region and beyond.”

The Senate resolution was adopted with acclamation, followed by chants of “Pakistan-China friendship zindabad” and “Long live China-Pakistan friendship.”