Statement by Mr. Imran Ahmed Siddiqui, Additional Foreign Secretary (Asia Pacific), Ministry of Foreign Affairs Islamabad
“Pakistan-China Relations: Regional Stability and Economic Prosperity”
Chairman ISSI,
Director General ISSI,
Distinguished guests from Pakistan and China,
Ladies and Gentlemen
Thank you very much for this opportunity to speak on a subject which is central to our strategic vision – Pakistan’s bilateral relations with the People’s Republic of China and its positive impact on regional prosperity and security.
I also extend a warm welcome to our distinguished Chinese guests who are attending this event. I am sure your deliberations today,will enrich the work of policy makersand practitioners in efforts to further strengthen Pakistan’sall-weather strategic partnership with China.
Pakistan-China bilateral partnership is forged in the crucible of history. Tested by time and strengthened by shared resolve in times of trial, our friendship has withstood regional, international and domestic transformations. Our bilateralties are marked by longevity, trust, and resilience. This is not rhetorical flourish but the structure that shapes the foreign policy frameworks of our two states. Pakistan has been a dependable partner of China, an iron brother and a trusted friend that has stood firm when others vacillated.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Our two countries support each other on core issues including issues of sovereignty, development, and security. Pakistan endorses China’s vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind. We support Belt and Road Initiative, Global Development Initiative (GDI), Global Security Initiative (GSI), Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) and Global Governance Initiative (GGI). Together, these initiatives constitute an effort to provide order to a world increasingly marked by disorder and bring equity when disparity persists at various levels.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today, the global order is being reshaped by forces whose scope and intensity remind us of turmoiland disorder of the last century. The great power competition and bloc politics are compromising cooperation and stability across nations. In many respects, the logic of cold war marked by volatility and uncertainty, is being used without addressing more complex features of the contemporary world ranging from climate change to technological dominance.
All these complexities create a challenging environment for developing states like Pakistan. We face economic vulnerabilities, technological exclusion, climate change, geopolitical contests and the threats of terrorism and extremism. Yet within these challenges are opportunitiesto innovate,,adjust and unite for sustainable peace and prosperity.
It is in this context that the Pakistan-China partnership acquires renewed significance. Together, our two states work not only to minimize risks but to transform challenges into new avenues of opportunities. We seek dialogue, cooperation and integration in our international conduct.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The launch of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor in 2013 was a historic milestone. CPEC is a manifestation of our mutual strategic trust. It is a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative. CPEC has transformed Pakistan’s energy landscape, modernized our infrastructure, and brought tangible benefits to our citizens.
As we now move into CPEC’s second phase, Pakistan has articulated a new vision under our Economic Transformation Plan-URAAN. Within this framework, CPEC aligns with our “5Es”: Exports, E-Pakistan, Environment, Energy and Infrastructure, and Equity and Empowerment. These pillars will drive our next stage of development. They will extend our cooperation into advanced and sustainable sectors including digital innovation, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, renewable energy, and green technologies.
The oft-quoted metaphor that our friendship is “higher than the Himalayas” has, in many ways, transcended metaphor. Our cooperation now extends into outer space and beyond, symbolizing the limitless horizons of this partnership.
CPEC also carries regional significance. Situated at the confluence of South Asia, Central Asia, and Western China, Pakistan has the potential to serve as a hub for trade, investment, and connectivity. With CPEC as the backbone, a new network of corridors could emergelinking economies, enabling industrialization, and stimulating inclusive growth.
However, it needs to be kept in mind that for economic initiatives to thrive, they require an environment of peace and stability. Political and security corridors blocked by hostility need to be opened. It is imperative to create conditions for a secure region through joint efforts aiming to seek peaceful settlement of disputes and effectively oppose unilateral coercive measures.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Intractable issues continue to festerin South Asia, the Middle East, and other regions. These disputes be addressed in line with the principles of justice and equity. Without this, instability will continue to erode the foundations of progress.
At the same time, we must viewissues confronting our region with a strategic approach. With China’s support and participation, the time has come to reimagine South Asia’s regional cooperationfor development and security. Such a framework must be open, inclusive, and oriented toward dialogue and cooperation rather than competition or confrontation. Its priorities should be poverty eradication, strengthening of agriculture, industrialization, and the pursuit of win-win outcomes inall domains.
In this vision, Pakistan and China are partners in building a more stable and prosperous regional order. Their cooperation can serve as an anchor in a world marked by turmoil, a connecting bridge between regions, and a model for inter-state relationship based on respect and mutual benefit.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The task before us is well within our capacity. We must not interpret our relationship in terms of transaction. Instead, our transformational tiesshould be viewed in their right context. Guided by this spirit, we can work together to promote prosperity and strengthen the stability of our region.
I look forward to hearing the valuable insights of the distinguished speakers at this seminar. Your perspectives will be helpful in shaping our joint efforts and refining our strategies to build a community grounded in shared visions and common interests.
Thank you.
