* PM opens ‘Chinese Cultural Week-2009’ to mark China’s 60th Independence Day
* Says ZAB laid foundation of Sino-Pak friendship
* Cultural shows, films captivate audience
By Mahtab Bashir
ISLAMABAD: Friendship between China and Pakistan is unique and multi-dimensional as it spans a vast spectrum of political, strategic, defence, cultural, economic and trade areas.
Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani expressed these views before inaugurating ‘Chinese Cultural Week- 2009’ in connection with 60th independence anniversary of People’s Republic of China.
Embassy of China in collaboration with Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) organised a week showcasing Chinese culture, the opening ceremony of which was held in front of an invited audience that included a few diplomats here at National Art gallery (NAG).
Gilani said Pakistan had untiringly built this ‘ideal relationship’ with China over five decades. “Chairman Mao Zedong and Premier Zhou En Lai, together with late Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, laid the foundations of our all-weather friendship, which was further cemented by Benazir Bhutto,” he said.
“It is a great pleasure for me to be present today in this impressive gathering to inaugurate the photographic exhibition to mark 60 years of Pak-China relations and an exhibition of Chinese customs to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China,” Gilani added.
The prime minister said, “I would like to extend, on behalf of people of Pakistan, our warmest felicitations to our Chinese friends on this auspicious occasion,” he said.
He said in addition to strong bilateral relations, Pakistan and China had a common worldview on a host of issues, ranging from Taiwan, Tibet, human rights to a fair and just global order.
“Our friendship is based on complete trust, mutual understanding and shared aspirations for peace and progress,” he said adding China was a factor of stability in the region. “Together we will continue our common endeavours for building a better future for our people and promoting international peace, stability and prosperity,” he said.
Chinese Ambassador H E Lou Zhoaohui spoke of China’s friendship and the strong ties that exist between peoples of the two countries. “Pakistan is a great nation with a long history,” he said.
He said the two countries shared common views on many world issues, which was a manifestation of the understanding that existed between them.
DG Tauqir Nasir, officials of Culture Ministry and Chinese Embassy, diplomats, foreigners, and students turned up to attend the inaugural ceremony.
The main attraction at the ongoing Chinese cultural week was a photograph exhibition in Gallery 1, titled ‘Chinese Martial Customs’. ‘60 years of Bilateral Relations between China and Pakistan’ showcased how different Chinese ethnic groups coexisted.
Beautiful photographs of natural and manmade beauty are very interesting and give visitors a glimpse of Chinese lifestyle. It provides a living record of China’s ancient history and the development of the Chinese people, both past and present. The exhibition also highlights ancient civilization of Gandhara, Harappa, and Indus Valley.
In gallery 2, a photographic display titled ‘A Kaleidoscope of China’ showed difference phases of China’s economic development.
Earlier, a group dance by girls in Chinese traditional attire, a magic show, aerobic shows and singing on jingle tunes enthralled the crowd. The magic show and aerobics with candles, flowers and riding on one wheel cycle made audience spellbound for a moment.
The Chinese Embassy set up a number of stalls of traditional Chinese dresses, paintings, calligraphy, knotting, and handmade paintings, sketches and drawings to promote Chinese culture and traditions.
Today (Tuesday), a Chinese movie titled ‘House of Flying Daggers’ will be screened at NAG auditorium while feature films titled ‘Country Wedding’ and ‘Li Mi Conjecture’ will be screened tomorrow (Wednesday) and Thursday respectively.
