The first overseas chapter of the Beijing Forum commenced on Tuesday at the Jinnah Auditorium, National University of Sciences and Technology in Islamabad.
The inaugural session witnessed key note addresses by dignitaries including President Mamnoon Hussain, the Advisor to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, Sartaj Aziz, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Sun Weidong, Chairman of the Peking University Council, Professor Zhu Shanlu, Rector NUST, Lieutenant General Muhammad Asghar (retd) and Vice President of the Peking University, Li Yansong.
President Mamnoon Hussain highlighted the significance of the event by harking back to the amicable bonds and ties which Pakistan and China have shared. He extended his felicitations to the Peking University and the National University of Sciences and Technology for their joint effort in bringing this event to take place in Islamabad.
He stressed on how the bilateral relationship between both countries acts as a model for the global community to replicate, and emphasised on how Pakistan shares its vision with China for a peaceful, prosperous and stable region.
He concluded by shedding light on the importance of the 'One Belt One Road' initiative and how China will play a constructive role in the alleviation of poverty, promoting regional connectivity, and ensuring prosperity for nations across the region.
Rector NUST, Lieutenant General Muhammad Asghar (retd) commenced his key note address by stressing on how it was an honour for NUST as an institution to host the first overseas chapter of the Beijing Forum. His address placed emphasis on the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and its impact on geopolitics.
He also emphasised that the role such corridors play in enhancing socio-economic growth and recommended key areas of focus ensure that CPEC's benefits can truly be realised.
The Advisor to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, commenced his key note address by congratulating the National University of Sciences and Technology and the Peking University for undertaking this initiative. He stressed on how Pakistan and China successfully managed to strengthen their cooperation through their geographical proximity and promotion of economic connectivity.
After the keynote addresses the first plenary session commenced with Professor Emeritus at NUST, Dr Akram Sheikh and honorary professor at the Peking University, Chang Hsin-Kang sharing their remarks on the over-arching theme of the forum which is 'China and Pakistan in the Common Destiny for All Mankind'.
The inaugural session also witnessed the book launch of the publication, 'Pakistan and China: Friends in Deed', which is a collation of insights, thoughts and reflections by eminent scholars on Pakistan-China ties.
The Beijing Forum Islamabad is a three day event taking place at NUST with the remaining plenary and panel sessions taking place on the 25th and 26th of May, respectively.-PR