On Saturday, President Asif Ali Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to collaborating with China and other nations to expand cultural exchanges, strengthen creative industries, and foster mutual understanding and tolerance. He emphasized that culture is a vital bridge to peace, prosperity, and a shared future for all of humanity.
Speaking at the Second Golden Panda Awards International Culture Forum in Chengdu, China, President Zardari highlighted the power of art and culture in uniting people and connecting civilizations. According to a press release, the forum was attended by senior Chinese leaders, cultural representatives, artists, and international delegates.
President Zardari stated that the enduring friendship between Pakistan and China stands as a model of mutual respect and cooperation. As the two countries prepare to celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties next year, he noted that this partnership is not only strategic but also a living testament to the deep bonds of friendship between their peoples.
He reiterated Pakistan’s full support for China’s vision of civilizational exchange and mutual learning. He also underscored 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 inclusive international cooperation.
The President emphasized the importance of the GGI, which promotes 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.” He observed that the world is undergoing dramatic changes and praised China, under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, for offering a path of cooperation and win-win solutions instead of confrontation. He said he was immensely impressed by how these initiatives serve the common values of humanity.
President Zardari congratulated the award winners and appreciated their creativity, stating that such artistic endeavors transcend borders and bring people together through shared human values.
Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari also held a meeting with Li Shulei, a member of the Political Bureau and Secretariat of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Minister of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee in Chengdu, China.
During the meeting, the President emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation between Pakistan and China in political, economic, and cultural fields, underlining Pakistan’s commitment to deepening people-to-people contacts and public diplomacy. He thanked the CPC leader for hosting him in Sichuan and congratulated him and the organizers on the successful holding of the Second Golden Panda Awards International Culture Forum.
Mr. Shulei said that President Xi Jinping had sent his best wishes and greetings to President Zardari and recalled their meeting during the President’s visit in February of this year. He also appreciated President Zardari’s recent article in the China Daily, highlighting the high regard in which Pakistan’s perspectives are held in China. He further noted that both he and President Xi highly value the leadership shown by President Zardari in strengthening the Pakistan-China partnership.
He concluded by saying, “The world is changing, but China and Pakistan will remain iron-clad brothers,” adding that, “Today, the world needs and deserves the fragrance of books rather than the smell of gunpowder.”
