ZUBAIR QURESHI
Caretaker Minister for National Heritage and Culture Division, Jamal Shah has proposed a ‘Culture Caravan’ from Pakistan to the Central Asian states to explore cultural similarities and establish linkages.
He put forth this suggestion while addressing as Chief Guest a reception marking 32nd Independence Day of the Kyrgyz Republic. Ambassador Ulanbek Totuiaev of Kyrgyz Republic and his wife had hosted the event reflecting the beautiful colours, culture and cuisine of Kyrgyzstan.
On August 31, 1991, the Supreme Council of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan adopted a law on the “Declaration on State Independence of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan”. Now every year on August 31, the Kyrgyz Republic celebrates the day as Independence Day.
In his brief speech, Jamal Shah referred to his days at Pakistan National Council of the Arts where as Director General he successfully launched a “CPEC Caravan” but that was China-specific. “Now as Federal Minister for Culture, I would look into the possibility of ‘Culture Caravan’ with Kyrgyzstan and other Central Asian countries,” he assured.
While addressing the guests, Ambassador Ulanbek Totuiaev said Kyrgyzstan was a comparatively young country, but the history of the Kyrgyz nation was more than 3,000 years old.
In this long period we, as a nation, faced many ups and downs, but finally achieved success, he said. One of the most outstanding achievements, I can point out, was the creation of the great Kyrgyz Khaganate.
“My country is following the path of multi-vectoral foreign policy, aimed to develop mutually beneficial relations with all its international partners. We are interested in building fruitful partnership with all nations, especially in terms of people-to-people contacts, as well as cultural and humanitarian linkages,” said the ambassador.
Nowadays we are looking forward to the broad implementation of new technologies, developing clean energy projects and building modern touristic infrastructure. As an example, I can bring the project “Asman” – an extra-modern tourist city on the coast of the beautiful lake Issyk-Kul. You all were witnesses of the promo video about this project, the ambassador said. He was of the view that Kyrgyzstan was rich in mineral resources and had vast potential in terms of hydropower. In this context, I stress on the importance of “CASA-1000” energy project which is designed to export surplus electricity from Central to South Asia.
On Kyrgyzstan-Pakistan relations, he said Kyrgyz people were looking forward to strengthening ties with brotherly people of Pakistan, taking into account deep common history, single religion and numerous cultural similarities. Recently, our countries have organized a significant number of visits on different levels, and are actively cooperating within the framework of various regional and international organizations.
The reception was unique in the sense that guests were served with traditional Kyrgyz beverages such as “Boza” “Shoro” and fermented milk. Famous Kyrgyz singer and professor of folk music, Roza Amanova also played classical tunes of Kyrgyzstan adding extra joy to the event.
