ISLAMABAD: The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) hosted a high-level Roundtable on Wednesday with a visiting Chinese delegation comprising senior officials from the International Department of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC) and renowned scholars from top Chinese universities.
The Chinese delegation was led by Mr. LEI Xin, Deputy Director General of the Information Center, IDCPC. He was accompanied by DING Hui, ZHU Caiyun, ZHOU Chenyu, Prof. Zhang Jiadong, HUANG Yunsong, ZHANG Jiegen, and MA Zheng, representing Fudan University, Sichuan University, and Sun Yat-sen University.
From Pakistan, the Roundtable brought together prominent diplomats and experts including Ambassador Zamir Akram, Ambassador Masood Khalid, Ambassador Naghmana Hashmi, Ambassador Babar Amin, Mr. S. M. Hali, Mr. Khalid Banuri, Dr. Hassan Daud Butt, and Dr. Azhar Ahmad.
The discussions focused on the changing global and regional dynamics, the strategic significance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and the broader ‘All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership’ between the two countries. Both sides emphasized strengthening people-to-people connections through greater engagement with academia, youth, and media, and utilizing digital platforms effectively.
In his welcome remarks, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General ISSI, described the Pakistan-China relationship as a unique and time-tested model of inter-state cooperation based on mutual trust and shared interests. He reaffirmed CPEC’s central role in Pakistan’s development and regional connectivity.
Mr. LEI Xin shared insights into the IDCPC Information Center’s innovative “one body, two wings” framework, which emphasizes data-driven research, global think tank collaboration, and international media analysis. He expressed appreciation for ISSI’s enduring partnership with Chinese institutions and called for deeper bilateral engagement across various sectors.
In his concluding remarks, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman of ISSI’s Board of Governors, highlighted the importance of cultural and educational exchanges, stressing that the strong Pakistan-China friendship is a legacy to be preserved for future generations.
