ISLAMABAD: Chinese Ambassador Yao Jing on Thursday said that cultural exchanges between Pakistan and China will play a huge role in cementing people-to-people contacts.
He was speaking at a cultural festival being held at Pakistan National College of Arts (PNCA) to celebrate Pakistan-China friendship.
The Chinese ambassador remarked that the ancient Silk Road was not only a trade route but was also a means to bolster people-to-people contacts.
He said that the relationship between Pakistan and China had further consolidated through the introduction of modern facilities.
He further said that cultural exchanges were at the heart of Pak-China friendship and lauded PNCA for playing a key role in facilitating cultural exchanges between the two countries.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb said that the diplomatic ties between Pakistan and China and their cultural heritages went back hundreds of years. She asked the Chinese ambassador to feel about Pakistan as Pakistanis felt about China – like a second home.
She also appreciated the counsel of China for being very active in holding cultural events, saying that cultural events helped further friendly ties among nations. She lamented that the Pakistani youth had distanced itself from its culture and heritage, but expressed optimism in the fact that modern discourse had shifted from terrorism to culture.
“Today, we are focusing on the revival of our film industry and transforming Pakistan into a vibrant, progressive nation,” she said adding that China had always stood by Pakistan as Pakistan had always stood with China over the past many decades.
PNCA Director General Jamal Shah welcomed the new Chinese ambassador and praised him for his positive energy, expressing hopes that this would promote the bilateral people-to-people exchanges.
During the festival, performers from Liaohai city of Liaoning province of China enthralled the audience with their energetic dances and skills.
