Deputy Chairman Senate, Syedaal Khan, has termed the ancient Silk Road a powerful symbol of friendship and cooperation, emphasizing its enduring legacy in fostering regional connectivity and development.
He expressed these views in a video message at the SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization) Forum on Poverty Reduction and the 9th Silk Road International Expo, held in Xi’an, China; according to a statement issued by the Senate Secretariat here on Wednesday.
Syedaal Khan appreciated the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the leadership of Shaanxi Province for organizing the events in Xi’an, calling the historic city a ‘beacon of regional unity.’
Commending President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), he said the modern revival of the Silk Road through BRI reflects a shared vision for prosperity.
Pakistan, he noted, is proud to be among the initiative’s pioneering partners, with the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) serving as a transformative force in infrastructure, energy, and regional integration.
Highlighting the evolving nature of this partnership, the Deputy Chairman Senate said it has now entered a vital new phase centered on human development, innovation, sustainability, and knowledgesharing.
He emphasized that platforms like the SCO Forum are essential for addressing global challenges, including poverty, health system resilience, and climate change, especially in the postpandemic era. He also lauded China’s success in poverty alleviation, describing it as a model for the developing world.
Syedaal Khan reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, citing national initiatives like the Benazir Income Support Program, youth empowerment schemes, and universal health coverage as key components of inclusive growth.
Focusing on agriculture as a strategic area of mutual cooperation, he said it plays a crucial role in food security and rural employment. He welcomed future joint ventures under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the Silk Road International Expo in smart agriculture, modern irrigation, seed development, and agroprocessing.
The Deputy Chairman Senate also acknowledged China’s initiative to train 1,000 Pakistani agricultural professionals, with the first group of 300 experts already in China. He expressed Pakistan’s readiness to expand collaboration for modernizing its agriculture sector.
Further, he emphasized the importance of strengthening cultural and educational exchanges, promoting businesstobusiness partnerships, and enhancing investment in Special Economic Zones. Such efforts, he said, would pave the way for shared development and mutual prosperity.
In his concluding remarks, Syedaal Khan stated, ‘Let us continue building corridors of peace, prosperity, and inclusive development. Under the banner of regional solidarity and mutual respect, let us move forward together toward a better and shared future where progress is a collective legacy.’