- Stresses Pakistan-China friendship remains a model of ‘iron-clad’ brotherhood
- Backs China’s global initiatives, meets CPC leader Li Shulei to expand political, economic and cultural cooperation
- Calls culture a bridge to peace, praising Xi’s vision for global cooperation
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Saturday reaffirmed Pakistan’s readiness to work with China and other nations to expand cultural exchanges, strengthen creative industries and promote understanding and tolerance—stressing that Pakistan-China friendship remains a model of “iron-clad” brotherhood.
The president was addressing the Second Golden Panda Awards International Culture Forum in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, attended by senior Chinese leaders, cultural representatives, artists and international delegates, the President Secretariat Press Wing said in a press release.
He underlined that as Pakistan and China prepare to celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year, their partnership stands as both strategic and people-centric, rooted in mutual respect and cooperation.
President Zardari expressed Pakistan’s full support for China’s vision of “civilization exchange and mutual learning” and highlighted the importance of President Xi Jinping’s three initiatives—the Global Development Initiative (GDI), Global Security Initiative (GSI), and Global Governance Initiative (GGI)—for advancing sustainable growth, regional stability, and inclusive cooperation. He noted that the GGI in particular promotes respect for cultural diversity, equality among civilizations, and dialogue to counter divisive narratives of a “clash of civilizations.”
Applauding China’s approach under President Xi, he said Beijing offers the world “cooperation and win-win solutions instead of confrontation.” He praised artistic and cultural endeavours such as the Panda Awards, saying creativity “transcends borders and connects people through shared human values.” He also congratulated the award winners and thanked the Sichuan provincial government, the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles, and the forum organisers for their hospitality.
On this occasion, the president met Li Shulei, Member of the Political Bureau and Secretariat of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and
Minister of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee. Both sides explored ways to further expand cooperation in political, economic and cultural fields, with President Zardari emphasizing Pakistan’s commitment to deepening people-to-people exchanges and public diplomacy.
Li conveyed President Xi Jinping’s greetings to Zardari and recalled their meeting during the latter’s visit in February this year. He also lauded Zardari’s recent article in China Daily, describing it as a reflection of the high regard in which Pakistan’s perspectives are held in China.
Li further said that both he and President Xi valued Zardari’s leadership in strengthening the bilateral partnership. “The world is changing, but China and Pakistan will remain iron-clad brothers. Today, the world needs and deserves the fragrance of books rather than the smell of gunpowder,” he remarked.
