BEIJING: In a move to fortify their cultural preservation efforts, China and Pakistan’s prominent cultural heritage institutions have joined forces through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), emphasizing cooperation on safeguarding ancient cave temples.
The agreement, titled “Memorandum of Understanding on Establishing Friendly Relations and Cooperation,” was formally signed during the International Forum on Cave Temple Conservation held in Dazu District, located in southwest China’s Chongqing.
The MoU was inked between China’s Academy of Dazu Rock Carvings and Pakistan’s Directorate of Archeology and Museums of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. At its heart, the collaboration is geared towards amplifying cultural protection, with a specific focus on the preservation of ancient cave temples, a shared cultural legacy.
Dazu District is renowned for housing the Dazu Rock Carvings, a celebrated UNESCO World Heritage site. Conversely, Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province is synonymous with a rich cultural tapestry, boasting over 20 museums and an impressive array of more than 20,000 archaeological sites.
As outlined by the MoU, the collaborative efforts are expected to encompass strategic planning, the establishment of an international cooperation platform dedicated to cave temple conservation, and the organization of international academic seminars in the future. Jiang Siwei, the leader of China’s Academy of Dazu Rock Carvings, envisions an exchange of experiences, technological insights, and joint initiatives that foster the advancement of cultural heritage conservation.
Abdul Samad, the director of the Directorate of Archeology and Museums of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, expressed his satisfaction at witnessing the formalization of this significant agreement. He anticipates that the MoU will serve as a catalyst, nurturing a platform for distinguished archaeologists from both countries to collaborate and share their expertise.
Highlighting the depth of their cooperative engagements in politics, economics, and energy, Samad emphasized that this collaborative leap in cultural heritage conservation strengthens the already robust partnership between Pakistan and China.
