Pakistan, China to enhance cooperation on cultural, literary fronts

ISLAMABAD: Advisor to Prime Minister on National History and Literary Heritage (NH&LH) Irfan Siddiqui Wednesday said that Pakistan and China are enjoying strong relations based on mutual respect and friendship which can be termed as an example in the world.

“This long-standing friendship can be further strengthened through enhancing cooperation on cultural and literary fronts,” Irfan Siddiqui said while speaking to the Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Yao Jing, who called on him at his office.

Welcoming the newly appointed Chinese ambassador on his arrival to Pakistan, Irfan Siddiqui hoped he will play an instrumental role in strengthening Pak-China relations and enhance cooperation in the fields of arts, culture and literature.

Irfan Siddiqui briefed the ambassador of the working of different departments under his division. He informed that Urdu dictionary board has been working on the compilation of a quality Urdu-Chinese dictionary which will also be available online.

The advisor presented a set of books to the ambassador carrying Chinese stories published by National Book Foundation (NBF). He said that his division is also working on a project of translation of Chinese literature into the Urdu language which will help people of both the countries understand each other’s culture.

Irfan Siddiqui also said that the work on establishing a state-of-the-art museum at the federal capital is on cards and technical support from China in this regard will be highly appreciable.

Speaking on the occasion, Yao Jing said that he is aware of the valuable role being played by NH&LH division in the promotion of arts, literature and culture. He expressed keen interest in the translation of Chinese stories and called for enhancing cooperation in this section.

The Chinese ambassador also assured all possible assistance and guidance for construction of museum facility at the capital.

Chinese Cultural Counsellor You Yi and NH&LH Joint Secretary Syed Junaid Akhlaq were also present on the occasion.