In a significant diplomatic engagement, Pakistan’s Minister for Culture, Tourism and Heritage, Huzaifa Rehman, held a high-level meeting today with China’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Gao Zheng, in the Chinese capital. The discussion focused on setting a forward-looking agenda to enhance cultural relations and tourism collaboration between the two longstanding allies.
Both ministers acknowledged the importance of cultural diplomacy in building stronger bilateral ties and emphasized the preservation of shared historical legacies. They expressed mutual interest in deepening people-to-people connections through artistic, educational, and heritage-focused initiatives.
During the talks, Minister Rehman conveyed heartfelt appreciation for China’s unwavering support for Pakistan over the years. He described the Pak-China friendship using poetic metaphors, calling it more enduring and valuable than even the highest mountains and deepest oceans.
Among the major outcomes of the meeting was a decision to jointly launch heritage restoration efforts. These will include cooperative projects to restore, protect, and digitally archive important historical sites across both countries, showcasing a shared commitment to conservation.
The ministers also agreed to boost cultural exchanges through enhanced museum collaborations. This includes plans for the development of museum infrastructure, exchange of delegations, and co-hosting of art exhibitions and film festivals to promote cross-cultural understanding.
A strong focus was placed on training and professional development. Both sides pledged to initiate training programs in the fields of museology, heritage management, and cultural preservation, aimed at equipping museum and cultural staff with international-level expertise.
In the tourism domain, the ministers discussed launching joint campaigns to promote tourism between Pakistan and China. These efforts will include policy-level cooperation to make travel easier and more attractive, as well as awareness initiatives to highlight cultural destinations.
Minister Gao Zheng invited Minister Rehman to attend the upcoming International Museum Conference to be held in China this September. Minister Rehman accepted the invitation and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to further enhance cultural collaboration.
Concluding the meeting, Minister Rehman extended special thanks to Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Chinese government for their consistent goodwill and close cooperation with Pakistan. He described the talks as a turning point in bilateral cultural relations and expressed hope that the agreed initiatives would soon translate into tangible progress.
