Honorable Director General Luan Jianzhang,

Vice President Ming Dong,

Faculty members, and dear students,

A very good afternoon ans Dajia Hao,

It is an immense pleasure to stand before you today at Tianjin University, an institution that embodies excellence, innovation, and intellectual rigor. As I look at this vibrant audience, I am reminded that universities are not just places of learning; they are crucibles where ideas are forged, where young minds are shaped, and where the architects of the future find their voice. 

It is here, in halls such as these, that the great narratives of history are written—not on the pages of textbooks, but in the ambition of youth and the power of knowledge.

I just had the opportunity to meet President of the university, where we acknowledged the immense cooperation potential that exists between our two countries, and reaffirmed our resolve to take our education cooperation to new heights.

Around 25,000 Pakistani students are enrolled across different universities of China, and I’m very pleased to see some faces in the audience here as well.

My visit to Tianjin comes comes at a particularly significant moment, as it follows the recent announcement by Foreign Minister Wang Yi that Tianjin will host the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit this year. Walking through this dynamic city, I can feel the electrifying energy of innovation and progress—a city that is not only shaping China’s future but also playing an increasingly pivotal role in regional and global affairs. Pakistan, as a committed member of the SCO, looks forward to working closely with China and other member states to advance regional cooperation, strengthen economic ties, and contribute to the shared vision of peace and prosperity.

And today, we gather to speak of a narrative that is as old as history itself, yet as fresh as the dawn of a new era—the story of Pakistan-China relations. This is not a story bound by mere diplomacy or dictated by transient geopolitical trends. It is a tale of trust, of shared aspirations, and of a future waiting to be shaped by our collective will.

Before I delve deeper, please allow me to introduce my homeland—Pakistan, a country of breathtaking landscapes, ancient civilizations, and immense promise. Located at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East, Pakistan is a land where history and progress converge. From the towering peaks of the Himalayas and the Karakoram Range to the vast deserts of Sindh and Balochistan, from the fertile plains of Punjab to the pristine coastline along the Arabian Sea—Pakistan’s geography is as diverse as its people.

With a population of over 240 million, Pakistan is the fifth-largest country in the world and one of the most youthful nations, with nearly two-thirds of its population under the age of 30. This youth bulge presents both a challenge and an incredible opportunity—one that Pakistan and China can harness together. Our country is rich in natural resources, home to a vibrant and resilient workforce, and positioned to serve as a regional hub for trade, energy, and technological innovation.

But above all, Pakistan is defined by the warmth and hospitality of its people, a trait that has made our friendship with China one of the most enduring and celebrated partnerships in modern history.

Among the Chinese friends, Pakistan is generally referred to as “Ba tie”, or iron brother. An endearing term, reserved for Pakistan alone. I would now move to different components of our relationship to give you a perspective on this unique term.

Firstly, ours is Friendship Forged in the Anvil of History

Pakistan and China have been described as iron brothers. Yet, to truly understand the depth of this relationship, one must look beyond metaphors and examine the very foundation upon which it stands. Ours is a friendship that has defied the vagaries of international politics, a partnership hat has withstood the test of time, and a partnership that continues to evolve, driven by an unshakable commitment to mutual respect and shared prosperity.

This relationship was not built overnight, nor was it dictated by fleeting political expediency. It has its roots in the annals of history, stretching back centuries to the ancient Silk Road, when traders, scholars, and travelers from our lands exchanged not just goods, but ideas, cultures, and philosophies. From the Buddhist monks who journeyed from Taxila to China, to the traders who brought the fragrance of Kashmiri saffron to the markets of Beijing, our civilizations have been entwined for over a millennium.

But our modern ties, forged in the mid-20th century, are even more remarkable. In an era when alliances were often dictated by self-interest, Pakistan and China chose a different path—one built on sincerity, understanding, and a commitment to each other’s well-being. As Chairman Mao Zedong once said, “Pakistan is China’s window to the west.” From being among the first countries to recognize the People’s Republic of China to facilitating its historic outreach to the West in the 1970’s, from PIA being first non-Communist airline to start its operations in China to Pakistan lobbying for restoration of China’s rightful seat at the United Nations, Pakistan has always stood by China. And in return, China has remained Pakistan’s most steadfast friend, supporting us through every challenge, every trial, every triumph.

Secondly, it is now a Partnership of Progress

Over the decades, this relationship has evolved from political goodwill to an economic partnership that is transforming the region. At the heart of this economic transformation lies the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which is not just an infrastructure endeavor, but a testament to our shared vision of progress and development.

With multi-billion-dollar investments in energy, transportation, and industrial development, CPEC has laid the foundation for Pakistan’s economic modernization. New roads, modernized railways, and deep-sea ports are not just connecting cities; they are unlocking potential, creating jobs, and empowering communities. And as Gwadar emerges as a key node in global trade, it stands as a powerful symbol of what Pakistan and China can achieve together.

To give you a perspective, so far nearly 50 projects have been completed worth over RMB 175 billion. 888-KM of road network has been laid; over 8000 additional MWs of energy have been added to Pakistan’s national grid; a new 878-KM transmission line has been built to evacuate 4000 MW electricity and over 200,000 new jobs have been created. Gwadar Port is functional, where a brand-new international airport stands ready  for business. Various estimates have pointed out to an increase in 1-2% of the GDP of Pakistan.

After laying a strong groundwork through energy and infrastructure projects, we have now moved to the second phase where industry, agriculture and IT have been identified as priority areas. 

But this is just the beginning. The next phase of our economic partnership must focus on industrial relocation, technology transfer, and green development. Special Economic Zones (SEZs) under CPEC will serve as incubators of innovation, attracting Chinese enterprises and integrating Pakistan into global supply chains. As China transitions toward high-tech industries, Pakistan offers a competitive manufacturing base, a young workforce, and an investor-friendly environment ready to welcome this next wave of collaboration. To achieve this end, we have now started a sector-specific B2B approach to attract Chinese investment in 21 export-oriented priority sectors of Pakistan.

Thirdly, our partwnensip is now beyond Economics: we now have A Vision for Scientific and Technological Innovation

As we stand on the precipice of the next Industrial Revolution, the future belongs to those who master science and technology. Pakistan and China must seize this moment to deepen collaboration in artificial intelligence, renewable energy, biotechnology, and space exploration. The signing of the China-Pakistan Space Cooperation Agreement with a view to training a Pakistani astronaut in the Chinese system has already paved the way for a brighter future. This ust be expanded to include quantum computing, 5G telecommunications, and semiconductor manufacturing. We are now making a lot of efforts to enhance our cooperation in technology by establishing a standing technology forum, and through integrating technical and vocational education. 

Tianjin, as a hub of innovation, can play a leading role in this effort. I invite students and researchers here to explore collaborative research projects with Pakistani universities, fostering a new generation of scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs who will define the future of our technological partnership. Let us not merely consume technology—let us create it together.

And last but not the least - People-to-People Bonds: The Heart of Our Friendship

Yet, even as we discuss grand economic projects and scientific breakthroughs, let us not forget the most fundamental pillar of our relationship—our people. True friendships are not built in conference rooms or through memorandums of understanding. They are built in classrooms like these, on the streets of Islamabad and Beijing, in the stories we share and the lives we touch.

Today, more than 25,000 Pakistani students are studying in China, a number that grows each year. These young minds are not just acquiring knowledge; they are becoming ambassadors of goodwill, bridges between our nations. Likewise, Chinese scholars, businesspeople, and tourists visiting Pakistan experience firsthand the beauty of our landscapes and the generosity of our hearts.

Dear Students,

We live in an era of profound global transformation. In such times, the Pakistan-China relationship serves as a model—a beacon of what can be achieved when nations choose cooperation over competition, mutual support over rivalry.

As China pursues its vision of “a community with a shared future for mankind,” Pakistan stands ready as a committed partner. Together, we must champion multilateralism, economic integration, and climate resilience, ensuring that our progress uplifts not just our people but the entire region.

I leave you today with a call to action. To the students in this hall: be the torchbearers of this friendship. Seek knowledge, embrace innovation, and build bridges of understanding. To the academics and researchers: push the boundaries of discovery, collaborate across disciplines, and pioneer solutions that can redefine our economies.

Yes Pakistan has recently faced difficult economic situation, because of the impact of climate change, conflict in Ukraine and COVID-19 pandemic. But let me share good news. For months, we have seen our balance of payments and forex reserves being improved, our currency stabilized, our inflation on double digit. We have finally come out of turmoil.

Today, Pakistan and China stand on the cusp of an extraordinary future. This is not just the story of two nations—it is the promise of a shared destiny.

Let us write this story together.

Thank you. Xie xie. 

Zhong-Ba Youyi Wan Sui