BEIJING: Chinese Fo­­reign Minister Wang Yi on Sunday visited the Pakistan pavilion at the International Charity Bazaar held in Beijing’s National Stadium and appreciated the participation of Pakistan for the noble cause of assisting humanity.

Mr Wang, who was welcomed by Ambassador Masood Khalid, took keen interest in Pakistani cuisines, handicrafts and Pakistan-made footballs.

The event was organised by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and China Foundation of Poverty Alleviation, with representatives of about 100 foreign missions, international organisations and companies in attendance.

Addressing the ceremony, Ambassador Khalid said the event brought the diplomatic community together for a common cause and helped cement the spirit of friendly cooperation.

“This year we will join China’s efforts in elevating the lives of the poor and those in need in the country,” he added.

He said that China had made remarkable efforts in poverty alleviation and it had lifted more than 700 million people out of poverty over the past 40 years and it planned to eliminate poverty totally by 2020-21.

Ambassador Masood Khalid said that Pakistan embassy had remained actively engaged in this activity throughout the year.

“Spouses of our diplomats, Pakistan Embassy College Beijing’s teachers and students have enthusiastically participated and diligently worked to make the event a grand success,” Mr Khalid said.

He said the event also provided a firsthand experience to see different cultures with Chinese fusion. In such cross-cultural ex­­changes, one could traverse the world in just a few hours.

Head of Chancery, Pakis­tan Embassy, Asim Ali Khan, said the Pakistan pavi­­­lion was one of the largest as four stalls had been set up.

The Pakistan pavilion re­­mained very popular and Pakistani food, handicrafts and traditional dresses showcased to highlight and promote Pakistani culture generated a lot of interest among the participants, he added.

The pavilion was a huge success due to display of ethnic embroidered dresses, shawls, bags, cushion, marble artefacts, carved boxes, carpets and especially footballs. Pakistani food was a favourite item and attracted the attention of the visitors.

An exquisite and stunning performance by students of the Pakistan Embassy College, Beijing, attired in colourful traditional dresses enthralled all those who visited the bazaar.

Published in Dawn, October 22nd, 2018