President Asif Ali Zardari on Saturday reaffirmed Pakistan’s readiness to work with China and other nations to expand cultural exchanges, strengthen creative industries, and promote mutual understanding and a culture of tolerance.

Speaking at the second Golden Panda Awards International Culture Forum in Chengdu, China, the president said culture remained a vital bridge to peace, prosperity and a shared future for humanity.

The president highlighted 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, the President’s Secretariat Press Wing said in a press release.

The forum was attended by senior Chinese leaders, cultural representatives, artists, and international delegates, the President’s Secretariat said in a statement.

President Zardari underlined that the enduring Pakistan-China friendship stood as a model of mutual respect and cooperation.

As the two countries prepare to celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties next year, he recalled that the partnership is not only strategic but also a living testimony to the deep bonds of friendship between their peoples.

President Zardari expressed Pakistan’s full support for China’s vision of “civilisation exchange and mutual learning” and emphasised the importance of the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI), and the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) – highlighting their focus on sustainable development, regional stability, and more inclusive international cooperation.

He underscored the importance of the GGI, which promotes respect for the diversity of civilisations, equality among cultures, people-to-people exchanges, and cultural dialogue as a counter-narrative to the so-called “clash of civilisations.”

The president observed that the world was undergoing dramatic changes and praised China under President Xi for offering a path of cooperation and win-win solutions instead of confrontation.

He said that he was immensely impressed by how these initiatives served the common values of humanity.

President Zardari congratulated the award winners, appreciating their creativity and noted that such artistic endeavours transcend borders and bring people together through shared human values.

On this occasion, he thanked the Government of Sichuan Province, the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles, and the organisers for hosting the forum.

He also expressed special gratitude to 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.

He also felicitated the organisers on the successful holding of the Second Golden Panda Awards International Culture Forum.