Gilani for using dialogue for global harmony, common development
By Shumaila Andleeb
SUZHOU, China, May 18 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Wednesday called upon the international community to use dialogue for a mutual harmonious relationship and said the cultural and civilizational contacts could do wonders in ensuring global peace.The Prime Minister was addressing at the first biannual meeting of the World Cultural Forum on the theme “Dialogue and Cooperation for World Harmony and Common Development”, as he reached Suzhou, some 120 kilometres from Shanghai.He arrived in Shanghai last night on the first leg of his four-day visit to China.Situated in the backdrop of serene Taihu lake, the site of World Cultural Forum hosted more than 500 participants from across the world including political leaders, intellectuals and prominent cultural figures.
Prime Minister Gilani’s presence in the first conference of World Cultural Forum coincided with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China that also focus on strengthening people-to-people and cultural ties.
The Prime Minister stressed the global leaders to utilize the softer tool of cultural contacts to minimize the distances amongst them. He mentioned the evergreen friendship between Pakistan and China, whose
peoples benefited from their rich civilizational interactions spanning several millenniums between the Indus Valley and Gandhara civilizations and the Chinese civilization.
“The amalgam is not only beautiful but strong and precious. The themes of harmony resonate and form the national ethos of the people’s of Pakistan and China,” he said.
Gilani said Pakistan and China being close friends and good neighbours enjoyed the all-weather friendship that was deeply rooted in the hearts and minds of their peoples.
Prime Minister Gilani said Pakistan admired the accomplishments of the great Chinese nation, adding that the world was witnessing today a renaissance of the ancient and glorious Chinese civilization. This is evident in the domains of art and crafts, literature, science and technology and multiple disciplines, he said.
“I have no doubt that Chinese sagacity and thought will have a profoundly beneficial impact for the mankind, as a whole. We are happy to see China shape the Twenty First Century world,” he said.
He complimented Chinese State Councillor Madame Liu Yandong and Secretary General of the Forum Yan Zhaozhu for organizing the event and termed it an honour for Pakistan to be associated with it. He said the Forum epitomized the theme of friendship and harmony among all peoples of the world.
The Prime Minister said the contacts between the cultures and civilizations of Pakistan and China had been mutually enriching.
“We continue to build new bridges and enhance connectivity between our countries,” he said.   
He said Pakistan was delighted that the Taihu World Cultural Forum was being held in the Pakistan-China Friendship Year as the two countries were celebrating 60th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.
Pakistan-China friendship epitomizes complete understanding, full trust, mutual cooperation and harmony. It is an abiding friendship based on shared values and ideals, he said.
Gilani said close links existed between the universities and academic institutions of Pakistan and China and said Pakistan study centres had been set up at some of the most prestigious Chinese universities such as Peking, Tsinghua,Sichuan and Fudan. He also mentioned the annual exchange of youth delegations and the Confucius Institute in Pakistan and the Pakistan-China Friendship Centre in Islamabad that were also promoting cultural and people to people interactions.
Chinese State Councillor Madame Liu Yandong said removing misunderstandings among the nations, countries and ethnic groups were need of the hour. She said beautiful cultures were a common wealth of the  mankind and said it could be used for bringing the people with differences together for a better world.
Minister for defence Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar, Law minister Maula Bux Chandio and Pakistan’s ambassador to China Masood Khan were also present.