Ambassador Haque stresses cultural exchange at book launch

ISLAMABAD   –  As part of the celebrations of the 70th years of establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, the Embassy of Pakistan in Beijing organized a book launch, titled “Gandhara’s Smile: the tour of cultural relics in Pakistan”.

The book launch focused on academic research on Ghandhara civilization and publication of “Ghandhara smile” conducted by a team of renowned Chinese scholars and experts from Peking and Renmin universities led by Prof. Duan Qing and Associate Professor Zhang Jiamei during their visit to various archaeological sites in Pakistan.

Addressing the ceremony, arranged in collaboration with the School of Foreign Studies, Peking University, Ambassador of Pakistan to China, Moin ul Haque appreciated the School of Foreign Studies, Peking University and the experts for introducing Gandhara civilizational linkages which existed between Pakistan and China along the ancient silk route.

He said that the year 2021 is a special year when Pakistan and China are celebrating the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties and the launch of this book is an opportune moment to celebrate the achievements of ancient Gandhara civilization as the common heritage of the two countries. The Ambassador promised to extend the Embassy’s complete support and assistance in continuation of exploration and research in Pakistan.

“Chinese scholars have done a lot of research on Western history, yet we barely knew the past of our neighbours. Fascinating to see well preserved historical relics from the second-century, it was definitely of great significance,” said Prof. Duan Qing from the school of foreign languages, Bejing University told.

He added that CPEC is more than an economic corridor; it is about cultural exchange and people interacting with people.