ISLAMABAD, Monday, September 22, 2025 (WNP): Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani on Monday joined a grand reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy to celebrate the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

The event was attended by Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong, senior diplomats, parliamentarians, dignitaries, and prominent figures from across society.

Extending warm congratulations on behalf of the Parliament and people of Pakistan, Gillani praised China’s remarkable progress since 1949 under the leadership of Chairman Mao Zedong, successive leaders, and President Xi Jinping. He said China’s achievements in poverty reduction, technological innovation, and global leadership were “a true miracle,” crediting the Communist Party of China (CPC) for driving reforms and pragmatic governance.

The Senate chairman described Pak-China ties as an “all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and iron brotherhood,” rooted not only in diplomacy but also in mutual trust, shared values, and people-to-people linkages. He recalled President Asif Ali Zardari’s recent visit to China, stressing that the CPC’s vision of a global community with a shared future resonated strongly with Pakistan’s own policy of regional cooperation and geo-economic development.

Gillani expressed deep gratitude for China’s consistent support during Pakistan’s difficult times, including natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic. He also highlighted defense cooperation through projects such as the JF-17 Thunder and induction of J-10C fighter jets, calling military collaboration a pillar of regional stability and deterrence.

On the economic front, he termed the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) the “flagship of the partnership” and Gwadar Port the “gateway of trade and prosperity.” He noted that recent agreements – including those for a textile industrial park, modernization of the livestock sector, and provision of emergency equipment – would help drive Pakistan’s economic growth and public welfare.

The Senate chairman further emphasized the importance of cultural and educational linkages, citing Confucius Institutes, scholarships, and cultural exchanges as key bridges between the two nations. Paying tribute to the architects of Pak-China relations, including Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Chairman Mao Zedong, and Premier Zhou Enlai, Gillani quoted Bhutto: “The relations between our two countries have withstood the rigours of the political weather because these are rooted in principles, geography, and permanent human values.”

Reflecting on his own interactions with Chinese leadership during his tenures as Speaker of the National Assembly and Prime Minister, he said he remained convinced that “Pakistan and China are destined to walk together through history.”

Concluding his address, Gillani reaffirmed that the friendship between the two countries remains a vital force for regional stability, economic integration, and collective action against global challenges such as climate change, conflicts, terrorism, and economic uncertainty. He thanked Ambassador Jiang Zaidong and the Chinese Embassy for hosting the event and reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to strengthening its partnership with China.