Statement of Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman, Institute of
Strategic Studies, Islamabad (ISSI)
16 June 2017
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
Assalam -o-Alaikum!
It is with great pleasure that I welcome Honourable Mr. Sartaj Aziz, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Mr. Sun Weidong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China and all of you at this ceremony of the Inauguration of the China-Pakistan Study Centre (CPSC) that we have recently established within the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad. To begin with, the Centre with Dr. Ahmad Rashid Malik as its Director has three researchers; Ms. Neelum Nigar, Mr. Muhammad Faisal and Mr. Ali Haider.
As you would know the ISSI was established in 1973, among other things, to advise the Government on strategic issues. The China Pakistan Study Centre (CPSC) likewise would act as an integral part of ISSI to provide research based input on various facets of Pakistan-China relations.
China is a great friend of Pakistan. The two countries have a history of splendid relationship. Their relationship guarantees peace and stability in South Asia and even beyond. This model relationship has been expanding in many directions, from the diplomatic to strategic, and now moving to achieve new milestones in the economic domain with the initiation of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is the stimulus behind the launch of the CPSC, as we believe that the CPEC will also be a knowledge and research corridor.
The dedicated aim of the CPSC is to carry out research on China’s role in the region and the world and to see how it is helpful in further solidifying Pakistan-China relations. It would serve as the pivot of excellence for learning about the Chinese society, history, culture, politics, economy, and government. The Centre would provide policy inputs to the Government on China-Pakistan relations and act as a service-provider for businesses of the two countries as well as for academia and the public at large. The findings of the Centre will be published in the form of books, a regular bi-annual journal, reports, and monographs. The Centre will also conduct seminars and public talks.
ISSI and I personally are grateful to Honurable Sartaj Aziz for taking the time out of his busy schedule to inaugurate the China-Pakistan Centre today. It is reflective of his abiding interest in consolding and nurturing the precious friendly bonds between Pakistan and China. His services in this regard are widely acknowledged. I also thank His Excellency Sun Weidong for his participation in this event. The Institute is grateful to him and the Embassy of China for all their assistance and cooperation towards the establishment of the Centre. We look forward to their continued interest and support. And I am thankful to all of you, Ladies and Gentlemen, for gracing this occasion. This shows how much you value Pakistan-China ties and your commitment to see them grow further and prosper.
Thank you !
