Honorable Party Secretary Wang,

Distinguished President Li,

Respected Leaders, Esteemed Colleagues,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Xiawu hao and good afternoon,

It is a great honor for me to represent Pakistan at the inaugural session of the South-Central Axis Area Development Council. Allow me to convey my sincere gratitude to the People’s Government of Fengtai District and the South-Central Axis Area Administration Committee for inviting me to this important event.

Today’s launch of this Council marks a historic moment. The South-Central Axis is not merely an extension of Beijing’s renowned central axis; a civilizational treasure embodying century of wisdom, but also a forward-looking vision that positions Beijing as a world-class hub of culture, ecology, innovation and international cooperation.

I wish to commend the important work of the South-Central Axis Area Administration Committee, which acts as a principal body responsible for planning, coordinating and advancing the integrated development of this region. With a mandate that spans urban revitalization, ecological conservation, culture promotion and economic modernization, the Committee demonstrates a truly visionary approach. By harmonizing heritage, sustainability and innovation, the Committee is now poised to reshape Beijing’s outlook that reflects China’s cultural richness at a global stage.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Pakistan and China are bound by a unique friendship that has withstood the test of times. Our All-Weather Strategic Partnership today manifests itself across diverse fields, not only in political domain but also in the economy, culture and the enduring bonds of friendship between our peoples.

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), is transforming Pakistan’s infrastructure, energy and industrial base. Under CPEC 2.0, the focus has now expanded to strengthening people-to-people connectivity, a theme that resonates strongly with today’s discussion.

Just as Beijing envisions the South-Central Axis as a cultural and ecological showcase, Pakistan too is committed to embedding sustainability, cultural diversity and innovation within our development journey.

Our cultural affinity runs deep. From the Gandhara civilization, whose artifacts have been proudly exhibited in Beijing, to the shared stories immortalized in Journey to the West, where Pakistan’s Taxila and Swat valleys formed part of the Buddhist pilgrim Xuanzang’s journey, we are reminded that cultural exchanges have bound our peoples for several years. These ties are not relics of the past; they are bridges to the future.

Education cooperation is one of the important planks of our bilateral cooperation. Today, more than 28,000 Pakistani students are studying in China, including in Beijing’s top universities such as Peking and Tsinghua. These young men and women represent the living bridge between our nations, carrying with them knowledge, friendship and the promise of enduring cooperation. Their presence here reflects China’s role as a global center of learning and Pakistan’s commitment to empowering its youth.

We are also witnessing flourishing exchanges in arts, media, tourism and vocational training. From co-production of documentaries, to exhibitions of Gandhara heritage, to student exchanges from Aitchison College and beyond, each initiative strengthens mutual understanding. Together, we are not just exchanging goods and investments; we are exchanging stories, ideas and aspirations.

Ladies and gentlemen,

As Beijing develops the South-Central Axis into a model of world-class urban center, Pakistan sees this great opportunity for synergizing development plan and cultural exchanges. We welcome partnerships that can connect this dynamic region with CPEC’s industrial parks, cultural exchanges, sustainable development, educational cooperation and ecological preservation. Through joint initiatives, innovation and business-to-business cooperation, we can add new layers to our ‘iron clad’ friendship.

In conclusion, I wish to reaffirm Pakistan’s readiness to support and actively participate in this remarkable journey. Just as the legendary pilgrims of Journey to the West overcame challenges with courage, faith and friendship, let us also work together to build an even closer China-Pakistan community with shared future. 

I wish the South-Central Axis Area Development Council every success in its future endeavours.

Xie Xie, Thank you.