ISLAMABAD:
President Asif Ali Zardari on Saturday reaffirmed Pakistan’s readiness to work with China and other nations to expand cultural exchanges, strengthen creative industries and promote understanding and a culture of tolerance.
He said culture remained a vital bridge to peace, prosperity and a shared future for humanity.
The president addressed the Second Golden Panda Awards International Culture Forum in Chengdu, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China, and highlighting the power of art and culture in uniting people and connecting civilizations.
The forum was attended by senior Chinese leaders, cultural representatives, artists and international delegates, President Secretariat Press Wing said in a press release.
President Zardari underlined that the enduring Pakistan-China friendship stood as a model of mutual respect and cooperation.
As the two countries prepare to celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties next year, he recalled that this partnership remained not only strategic but also a living testimony of the deep bonds of friendship between their peoples.
President Zardari highlighted Pakistan’s full support for China’s vision of “civilization exchange and mutual learning” and emphasized the significance of the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI), and the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), noting their focus on sustainable development, regional stability, and more inclusive international cooperation.
He underscored the importance of the GGI, which promoted respect for the diversity of civilizations, equality among cultures, people-to-people exchanges, and cultural dialogue as a counter to narratives of a “clash of civilizations.”
The president observed that the world was undergoing dramatic changes and praised China under President Xi for offering a path of cooperation and win-win solutions instead of confrontation.
A banquet was hosted by Party Secretary of the Communist Party of China Wang Xiao Hui in the honour of President Asif Ali Zardari in Sichuan Provinceon Saturday.
The banquet was attended by Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, Pakistan’s ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi, China’s ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong, senior Chinese officials and other distinguished guests.
