ISLAMABAD: Ambassador of Spain to Pakistan, Carlos Aragón Gil de la Serna, visited the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture to discuss expanding cultural collaboration with Federal Minister Aurangzeb Khan Khichi. The meeting focused on enhancing cooperation in heritage conservation, archaeology, and cultural diplomacy between the two nations.

According to Press Information Department, the discussions highlighted the commitment of both countries to foster deeper cultural ties and institutional partnerships. Minister Khichi emphasized the importance of cultural exchanges in strengthening bilateral relations and proposed several initiatives, including a new Memorandum of Understanding on Cultural and Heritage Cooperation. This proposed agreement would facilitate joint archaeological projects, museum development, and academic collaborations.

The meeting underscored the appreciation of Pakistan’s Gandhara and Buddhist heritage and invited Spain to engage in conservation efforts. Additionally, the Minister highlighted the significance of literary exchanges, especially the translation of Allama Muhammad Iqbal’s works into Spanish, and encouraged further academic collaborations.

Ambassador Carlos Aragón Gil de la Serna expressed enthusiasm for the proposed initiatives, acknowledging the positive contributions of the Pakistani community in Spain and the shared Islamic heritage between the two countries. He also noted the ongoing Spanish translations of Iqbal’s philosophical works as a testament to the enduring cultural connections.

During the meeting, it was also announced that Islamabad would host an International Writers’ Conference, with an invitation extended to Spanish literary figures. Both parties agreed to maintain close communication to transform the discussed ideas into actionable projects aimed at solidifying the cultural rapport between Pakistan and Spain.