Special Correspondent
Chengdu, Sichuan Province: President Asif Ali Zardari addressed the Second Golden Panda Awards International Culture Forum in Chengdu, highlighting the power of art and culture in uniting people and connecting civilisations. The Forum was attended by senior Chinese leaders, cultural representatives, artists, and international delegates.
President Zardari congratulated the award winners and praised their creativity, noting that such artistic endeavours transcend borders and connect people through shared human values. He expressed gratitude to the Government of Sichuan Province, the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles, and the organisers for hosting the Forum.
He also thanked H.E. 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, for his warm hospitality, and felicitated the organisers on the successful hosting of the Forum.
Zardari reiterated Pakistan’s full support for China’s vision of “civilisation exchange and mutual learning” and emphasised the importance of the Global Development Initiative (GDI), Global Security Initiative (GSI), and Global Governance Initiative (GGI). He noted that these frameworks focus on sustainable development, regional stability, inclusivity, and respect for cultural diversity. The GGI, he stressed, promotes dialogue among civilisations as an alternative to the “clash of civilisations” narrative.
Observing that the world is undergoing dramatic changes, Zardari praised Chinese President Xi Jinping for offering cooperation and win-win solutions rather than confrontation. He said China’s initiatives uphold the common values of humanity and provide a path for collective progress.
President Zardari further underlined that the Pakistan-China friendship remains a model of mutual respect and cooperation. As both countries prepare to celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year, he described the partnership as not only strategic but also a living testimony of deep and enduring people-to-people bonds.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s readiness to expand cultural exchanges, strengthen creative industries, and promote tolerance, Zardari concluded that culture is a vital bridge to peace, prosperity, and a shared future for humanity.
