ISLAMABAD: The iron-clad friendship between Pakistan and China could be witnessed through visuals in videos created by students in a bid to mark the 71st anniversary of diplomatic relations between both countries.

This was highlighted by Chinese Ambassador Nong Rong at an event held in Islamabad.

To celebrate 71 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between both countries, a special award ceremony for winners of a two-minute video competition on the Vibrant Cultural Colours of Pakistan was organised. The event was arranged by the All Pakistan China Friendship Association in partnership with the Embassy of People’s Republic of China.

Nong Rong congratulated the winners and all other participants of the competition and appreciated them for their support and hard work. He said the future of Pakistan-China relations was promising as he could see it would be in capable hands of the talented youth of Pakistan.

He said cultural and educational exchanges were a strong pillar of neighbourly countries and helped open the door to mutual learning and understanding.

Senator Sana Jamali said Pakistani youth had promoted love for China in the hearts of the youth of Pakistan. Praising China for always being a good friend of Pakistan and helping the country with strong support, she said that the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project was contributing to the socio-economic development of Pakistan.

A total of 20 winners were selected by a panel of judges including a media representative from a total of 110 videos received from students between the ages of 15-21 years. Six people won the first, second and third prizes whereas there were 14 runners-up.

All students received certificates and winners received other mementos.

Ikhlaq Usmani, President APCFA said that the students in their videos had successfully taken viewers on a quick cultural tour of Pakistan.

Zhang Heqing, cultural counsellor (Embassy of the People’s Republic of China) presented awards to winners and congratulated schools for organising successful competition with students.

Aside from other prizes, students received books on the governance of China authored by President Xi Jinping.

Published in Dawn, September 19th, 2022