Pakistan, China, India and 13 other regional countries have agreed to form an Asian Cultural League to further strengthen bonds of friendship through regular social and cultural contacts. At the three-day Asian Cultural Co-operation Conference, opened in Beijing, it was decided that a formal document to that effect would be adopted soon. A spokesman of the conference, while talking to newsmen said, "We are agreed upon the basic outlines that would be given final shape in light of the suggestions put forth at the conference that concluded on Tuesday."
The league will comprise representatives from prominent non-governmental organisations from the regional countries.
"We fully support the idea of establishing a comprehensive and viable network for bringing their people closer to each other through common cultural heritage," said Pakistan's representative Professor Abdul Razza while addressing the conference.
He said that through cultural dialogues, the regional countries could increase understanding, enhance trust and expand common ground for mutual co-operation.
Being a Muslim country, he said Pakistan enjoyed rich cultural heritage that reflected traditional and modern trends, based on basic moral and social values.
He also briefed the conference about President Pervez Musharraf's vision of enlightened moderation, which he said allowed all society to grow according to its own faith and discipline.
Pakistan wished to promote its cultural exchanges with China and other regional countries both on official and non-governmental levels, he added.
Razzaq, a senior member of Quetta-based NOGs, who attended the conference on behalf of Pakistan National Council of the Arts, said Pakistan was prepared to play an active role in the proposed Asian Cultural league.
He suggested that it should hold annual conference in each regional country on rotation basis, adding accordingly, chairmanship should also be rotated among the member states.
Earlier while inaugurating the conference, NPC Standing Committee Vice-chairman Li Tieying said the culture identified a nation and that national culture should be respected to protect diversity.
The conference was organised by the Chinese Culture Promotion Society to discuss cultural communication and the establishment of a cultural co-operative organisation for the Asian region.