President Asif Ali Zardari inaugurated Tajikistan Cultural Week at Pakistan National Council of Arts, Islamabad today.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony, the President said the visit of Tajik Cultural Delegation led by Minister for Culture Sattoriyon Matlubakhon Amonzoda reflects the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two brotherly countries.
He said for centuries, our regions were linked through the Silk Road, which connected South Asia with Central Asia. These routes carried not only trade, but also ideas, languages, poetry and traditions.
The President underscored that Persian language has played a special role in this shared history as it remained a language of learning, poetry and administration in the region now Pakistan.
He mentioned that Pakistan placed great importance on cultural diplomacy.
The President noted that as members of regional organizations like ECO and SCO, Pakistan and Tajikistan also share a broader vision of regional cooperation, connectivity and harmony.
Earlier, in his opening remarks Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi said Pakistan and Tajikistan share centuries-old deep cultural ties and affinity which is the foundation of their long-term partnership.
The Minister for Culture of Tajikistan expressed her pleasure and said Pak-Tajikistan bilateral ties are old, spiritual, linguistic, historic and cultural that was expanding in political, economic, security and cultural fields served as a strong expression of strategic partnership and continuous strength.
The Tajik Minister extended the gift of Tajik Zarduzi Coat and Tajik Toki Cap which the President adorned with joy.
The President presented the gift of a portrait bearing Persian verses to the Tajik Minister.
The inaugural ceremony ended with musical dance performances led by Tajik musical chorus and singers and play of traditional Tajik musical instruments.
