Beijing
A new book launch titled “Gandhara’s Smile: the tour of cultural relics in Pakistan” was organized by Embassy of Pakistan in collaboration with School of Foreign Studies, Peking University at the Embassy here on Friday.
The book launch is part of the celebratory activities to mark the 70th years of establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.
The book launch focused on the academic research on Gandhara civilization and publication of “Gandhara’s 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.
Speaking on the occasion, 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 70th anniversary of 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 two countries.
The ambassador informed that the Department of Archeology of Pakistan and the Palace Museum, Beijing were discussing to hold a seminar on ancient civilization of Pakistan and China in August this year.
“We also hope to hold a grand exhibition of Gandhara artifacts in China at the Palace Museum in late 2022 or 2023”, he added.
He congratulated the team of renowned Chinese scholars and researchers who have been part of the publication the great book.
He also expressed gratitude to members of the Shanghai Publication Group who traveled from all the way from Shanghai to be part of this event.
The Ambassador promised to extend Embassy’s complete support and assistance in continuation of exploration and research in Pakistan. Later, Prof. Duan Qing presented the book to the ambassador.
The event was attended by academicians from School of Foreign Languages, Peking University, and International Academy for Chinese Culture, Jinghua School, CENGAGE learning publishing group, media representatives and officers of Embassy.
Pakistan-China friendship is deeply embedded in the hearts of people from both sides that enjoys wide support across the political spectrum in Pakistan, Pakistan Ambassador to China Moin ul Haque said.
“It’s very important that we pass on these sentiments of friendship to our future generations,” he said in an interview with Xinhua.
Describing the 70th anniversary of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations as an important milestone, the ambassador said most of the activities the two sides have been holding this year are intended for the people of the two countries, that we can have a very broad-based recognition of our special ties.
“We are really proud of this special ties with China, expressions like iron brotherhood, and it has now transformed into an all-weather strategic partnership,” he noted. “No matter what the international geopolitics are, this relationship is constant”.
Bilateral cooperation in anti-pandemic fight during very difficult times, he said, is another example of the special ties.
“When COVID-19 was spreading in China, our president came on a solidarity visit. And when we were affected, China came to help in a very big way Pakistan was the first country to receive donation from China”, he said.
The fourth batch of COVID-19 vaccines donated by the Chinese government arrived in Pakistan on June 2.
So far, bilateral cooperation on COVID-19 has been expanding not only in the procurement of supplies from different Chinese companies, but also in setting up plants of developing vaccines in Pakistan, said the ambassador.—APP
