Pak-China friendship not only exists in economic and political fields, but also goes deep into the hearts of the youth of the two countries.
CPEC in the eyes of the children is in bright colors, “their love for China and CPEC is unparalleled and we praise the young boys and girls who shared with us all their colorful dreams of people-to-people friendship with China,” President of All Pakistan-China Friendship Association (APCFA), Muhammad Ikhlaque Usmani, said to Gwadar Pro after the awarding ceremony for Pakistani Students Painting Competition themed CPEC and Pakistan-China Friendship.
To celebrate 70 years of Pakistan-China Diplomatic Relations, the awarding ceremony initiated by the Chinese embassy in Pakistan and APCFA was held on 29th afternoon. All the panel reached consensus that the friendship between the two countries recognized by the young people is real and convincing.
Mubashar Tauqir Shah, Additional Secretary of Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, believed that CPEC is a manifestation of the trusted friendship of Pakistan and China and a vote of confidence for Pakistan. “CPEC is a game-changer and we are already witnessing the socio-economic benefits it is achieving for Pakistan.
This competition has played a very important role to rally Pakistani youth to share their visions of the exemplary nature of Sino-Pak relations and as well as to enhance socio-cultural understanding of the bonds of friendship,” he said on the ceremony.
In her keynote speech, Pang Chunxue, Minister of Chinese Embassy in Pakistan congratulated the Pakistani youth on the vivid illustration of the friendship between Pakistan and China, and said that these colorful paintings are indeed a wonderful gift to the celebration of the 70 years of Sino-Pak diplomatic relations. More cultural exchange and cooperation will bring this friendship to new heights, she noted.
Farwa Zafar, General Secretary of APCFA, especially mentioned that it is important to promote collaboration for promoting youth exchanges and friendly bonds and to welcome Chinese students to Pakistan.
At the ceremony, the winning student representatives interpreted their paintings for the attendees. Students also discussed and exchanged ideas with each other.
In addition, Syed Kashif Qutub, MOC, Naghmana Hashmi, Former Ambassador of Pakistan to China, students and teachers from schools across Pakistan, friends from China and South Asian Friendship Associations, and the media also attended the ceremony.
APCFA organized this national painting competition in which despite school closures due to COVID-19, over 100 students from Gwadar to Peshawar took part. A total of 20 prizes for two age groups, 9-15 years and 16-18 years were awarded to students as 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize winners, with four appreciations awards all students received certificates and winners received other prizes.
