Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi, underscored the importance of cultural diplomacy and Pakistan-China friendship while addressing the “Elegant Dragon Boat Festival, Romantic China” themed event for diplomats held in Beijing on Saturday.
Ambassador Highlights Festival’s Cultural Significance
In his remarks, the Ambassador described the Dragon Boat Festival as one of China’s most valued intangible cultural heritage traditions, reflecting themes of unity, remembrance, and the pursuit of a better life. He noted that the festival honors historical figures associated with integrity and patriotism and continues to be celebrated through vibrant customs including dragon boat racing, the preparation of zongzi, and the hanging of fragrant wormwood.
Culture as a Bridge Between Nations
Ambassador Hashmi highlighted that culture remains one of the strongest bridges between nations, stressing that the Pakistan–China relationship serves as a model of enduring friendship. He reiterated that both countries, as all-weather strategic cooperative partners, continue to expand cooperation and deepen bilateral ties across multiple areas.
Dragon Boat Racing in Pakistan
Referring to cultural exchange initiatives, he mentioned a historic dragon boat race organized this year along the Kabul River and Swat River in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The event, which saw participation from over 100 individuals, was described as a milestone in introducing the tradition of the Dragon Boat Festival to Pakistan during the 75th anniversary year of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.
He added that such cultural initiatives were helping strengthen people-to-people exchanges and further reinforcing the long-standing partnership between the two countries.
