Pakistan and China Committed to take Cultural Relations to Next Level

September 19,2016

The Minister for Culture of People's Republic of China Mr. Luo Shugang met today Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Senator Pervaiz Rashid on the sidelines of the Silk Road International Cultural Expo being held in Duanhuang city, Gansu province of China. 

Mr. Luo Shugang welcoming Senator Pervaiz Rashid said that Pakistan China relations were based on solid foundations which have seen comprehensive growth in every area including steady and uninterrupted growth over the years in cultural ties. 

The meeting with Pakistan which is an important country along the Silk Road was of special significance to China as it was being held at a time when nations along the silk route had gathered to discuss ways of cultural promotion said the Chinese Minister. Eighty five countries from all over the world are participating in the expo. 

The Chinese Minister for Culture said that 13 Cultural exchange programmes have been implemented with Pakistan which are the highest number of programs undertaken with any country in the world. This year China is going to send more cultural troupes which will be tailored to the needs of Pakistani culture so that people to people contacts could be further deepened and made more meaningful. He also thanked the government of Pakistan for facilitating the establishment of a cultural center in Islamabad.  

The Chinese Minister further said that there was rapid increase in admission of students learning Urdu in Chinese universities which reflected increasing interest in Pakistan. He showed keen interest in identifying specific areas for expanding and deepening cultural relations between the two countries. China he said would also encourage its western regions in addition to other regions having close proximity to Pakistan to establish people to people direct links. China he said, was ready to help in human resource development, and management of artists institutions. 

Senator Pervaiz Rashid thanked the government of People's Republic of China for the invitation and hospitality. The Minister of Information said that the bilateral relations transcended formalities and were rooted deep in the hearts and minds of the people of China and Pakistan. 

Responding to Chinese ministers desire to take the relationship to the next level he said Pakistan will work closely for cooperation in all fields including cultural relations and the people and the government of China will always find them working hand in hand. 

The Minister for information accepted the invitation to visit China and also invited the Chinese minister for culture to visit Pakistan on a mutually convenient time which would be worked out through diplomatic channels.