The opening ceremony welcomed esteemed guests including Ambassador Jiang Jiang, Vice President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC); Ambassador Sha Zukang, President of the China-Pakistan Friendship Association and former UN Under Secretary-General; Mr. Zhang Maoming, Deputy Director General of the Department of Asian Affairs at the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Wang Yuegong, Deputy Director of the Palace Museum, as well as a distinguished assembly of ambassadors, diplomats, media representatives, cultural organizations, and art enthusiasts. The exhibition was curated by Ms. Chen Lyu, Deputy Director of Yindi Art Museum.

 

Ambassador Moin ul Haque, in his remarks, emphasized the powerful role of visual storytelling in bridging the gaps between nations and cultures. He highlighted the significance of photography as a medium to immortalize memories, capture the beauty and allure of a place and its culture, and champion a cause. The exhibition, in his view, achieved all three objectives by preserving and presenting his cherished memories of his time in China, while also showcasing the deep affection and regard of the Pakistani people for China—a sentiment that transcends diplomacy, economics, or geography.

 

The Ambassador fondly recalled his three-year tenure in China, sharing anecdotes and experiences that underscored the profound bond he had formed with the country and its people. He expressed praise for China's rich and diverse culture, its breathtaking landscapes, iconic monuments, and the timeless spirits that inhabit its history. 

 

He expressed deep appreciation for Yindi Museum and its management, especially the curator Ms. Chen Lyu for the string support and meticulous planning and execution of the exhibition.

 

The speakers and the audience acknowledged the exceptional strength of the bilateral ties between Pakistan and China. They emphasized that these ties were rooted in a profound connection between the two nations. Furthermore, they underscored the importance of such cultural initiatives and exhibitions in promoting mutual respect and understanding, and in strengthening connections between countries and cultures.

 

The exhibition, featuring a captivating array of photographs spanning various themes, will remain open to the public until September 19, 2023, serves as a testament to the enduring friendship between Pakistan and China, symbolizing the deep cultural bonds that unite the two nations.

 

Beijing 

18 August 2023