Islamabad
An agreement on the preservation of cultural heritage has been signed between Pakistan and United States.
The signing ceremony of bilateral cultural property agreement was held at Islamabad Museum.
US Embassy officials including US Ambassador Donald Blome participated in ceremony.
Caretaker Federal Minister National cultural heritage participated in ceremony.
US Ambassador Donald Blome and Secretary Ministry National cultural heritage have signed the agreement.
The American Embassy also handed over the valuable antiquities smuggled from Pakistan to America to the Ministry.
The agreement covers exchange of information and prevention of smuggling of valuable antiquities.
US Ambassador Donald Blome addressed the ceremony and said that this agreement is important for protection of cultural property. Cultural heritage is an effective source of learning and awareness for new generations.
US authorities are handing over to the Pakistani government the valuables antiquities smuggled by the US from Pakistan.
The agreement aims to ensure the return and preservation of antiquities smuggled out of Pakistan.
US government has started several projects for protection and promotion of culture in Pakistan. Projects related to awareness of students about culture in universities are also underway.
Both countries are determined for the protection of cultural property. Islamic civilization is cultural heritage.
While addressing on this occasion, Caretaker Federal Minister for National Cultural Heritage Jamal Shah said that Pakistan and US have strong relations.
In view of the security situation, cultural heritage and property are also at risk. Happily, Pakistan and America are cooperating for the preservation of cultural property and heritage. As an artist I understand the importance of cultural heritage and these events.
We are thankful to US authorities and Embassy on the return antiquities to government of Pakistan. These antiquities are beautiful and are the reflection of a civilization that is thousands of years old.
Seeing these antiquities, I realized that there should be specific music in the Federal Capital, Islamabad, wanting to promote cultural relations with the United States (US).
