Chengdu, 13 September 2025(Kamran Raja): President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, today addressed the Second Golden Panda Awards International Culture Forum in Chengdu, China, where he highlighted the unifying power of art and culture in connecting civilisations and promoting peace through shared human values.
The Forum was attended by senior Chinese leaders, cultural representatives, artists, and international delegates. President Zardari congratulated the award winners and lauded their creativity, noting that artistic endeavours transcend borders and bring people together. He expressed gratitude to the Government of Sichuan Province, the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles, and the organisers for successfully hosting the Forum.
On this occasion, the President thanked H.E. Mr. 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.
President Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong support for China’s vision of “civilisation exchange and mutual learning” and underscored the importance of the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI), and the Global Governance Initiative (GGI). He stressed that the GGI, in particular, promotes inclusivity, equality among cultures, and people-to-people exchanges as a counter to divisive narratives of a “clash of civilisations.”
Observing that the world is undergoing dramatic changes, President Zardari praised China under President Xi Jinping for offering win-win solutions through cooperation rather than confrontation. He said he was deeply impressed by the way China’s initiatives uphold the common values of humanity.
The President underlined that the enduring Pakistan-China friendship stands as a model of mutual respect and cooperation. With the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties approaching next year, he reaffirmed that this relationship is not only strategic but also a living testimony of the deep bonds of friendship between the peoples of Pakistan and China.
President Zardari reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to work with China and other nations to expand cultural exchanges, strengthen creative industries, and promote understanding and tolerance. He concluded by noting that culture remains a vital bridge to peace, prosperity, and a shared future for humanity.