Islamabad, Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Jamal Shah, met with ambassadors from Central Asian States, Russia, and China to discuss plans for the second ‘CPEC Cultural Caravan 2024.’ This initiative aims to enhance cultural connections between Pakistan, China, Russia, and Central Asian countries.

According to Press Information Department, the meeting held at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts included dignitaries like Albert Khorev, the Russian Ambassador to Pakistan; Bao Zhong, Counselor of the Embassy of China; and ambassadors from Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Azerbaijan. Also present were officials from the National Heritage and Culture division of Pakistan, including Secretary Humaira Ahmed, Advisor Muhammad Kashif Irshad, and others.

Jamal Shah shared that the second CPEC Cultural Caravan is designed to promote economic ties and strengthen cultural bonds among these nations. The caravan will start its journey from Xi’an, China, traveling through various countries along the Silk Route, including Central Asian nations, Iran, UAE, and within Pakistan from Gwadar to Islamabad. This cultural journey will document the lives and stories of people along the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and the Silk Route.

The caravan, comprising artists, musicians, photographers, anthropologists, writers, and filmmakers from Pakistan, China, and Central Asia, aims to foster dialogue, cultural exchange, and international relations, focusing on the protection of cultural heritage and promoting arts and creative industries.

The Ambassadors present at the meeting praised the joint CPEC cultural caravan initiative, emphasizing its importance in enhancing people-to-people contacts through such cultural activities. They expressed their full support for the event and agreed to continue collaborating on the Cultural Caravan 2024’s overall plan.

The meeting also featured a documentary on the first CPEC Cultural Caravan, showcasing the work of professional photographers and artists from Pakistan and China, and concluded with a flute performance by Salman Adil.