Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain (L) addresses the opening session of the Beijing Forum-Islamabad 2016 at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan, May 24, 2016. (Photo: Xinhua/Ahmad Kamal)
The 13th annual Beijing Forum-Islamabad 2016 with the theme of "China and Pakistan in the Community of Common Destiny for all Mankind" was kicked off Tuesday.
Jointly organized by Peking University of China, National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) of Pakistan and other two partners, Beijing-Forum-Islamabad 2016, is the first of its kind ever held by Beijing Forum outside China since its inception in 2004.
Over 100 scholars, experts, academics and corporate leaders from China, Pakistan and other countries will hold discussions and exchange views under its overarching theme of "The Harmony of Civilization and Prosperity for All" in the three-day event being held from May 24 to 26.
The Beijing Forum, an annual academic event, was established by the Pecking University upon the idea of open, deep, and impartial collective investigation of common problems, common challenges, and common opportunities for common development that produces balance and convergence among different economies, cultures, societies, and peoples of the world.
Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain inaugurated the Beijing Forum-Islamabad 2016, which was also attended by Professor Zhu Shanlu, chairman of the Pecking University Council, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Sun Weidong, and Advisor to Pakistani Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz.
Expressing his pleasure over the selection of Islamabad for Beijing Forum 2016, President Hussain said "This great gesture from the special friend and partner is very meaningful. Such forums not only lay the foundation for national progress and prosperity, but also become a source of transmitting rich traditions and bonds of friendship to coming generations."
"China's vision of One Belt and One Road will usher in an era of peace, prosperity and stability in the world" said the president, adding "China-Pakistan relations are very vital for the progress of this region and the world. Pakistan is the companion of China in its goal to release the world from the clutches of miseries to take it to prosperity and harmony, and Beijing Forum will pave the way to fulfil our common dreams."
On the occasion, the president also launched a book "China and Pakistan Friends in Deed" compiled by the Global Think Tank Network of the NUST, which contains insightful articles by the renowned experts and scholars.
Addressing the ceremony, Professor Zhu Shanlu said with the support from the leadership from both China and Pakistan, "We hope that this forum will forge new strategic cooperation between the two countries. I hope that Beijing Forum-Islamabad 2016 will help promote harmony and cultural understandings, and learn from each other to create new civilization of human beings".
During the event, the participants will discuss at least 11 topics, including Silk Road and linkage with China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Infrastructure and logistics, energy, human resource, CPEC- New Era of Transformation, economy, regional connectivity, peaceful development, culture, civilizations and civilizational harmony.
