A 32-member cultural troupe led by Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) Director General Jamal Shah returned from a tour of China on Monday. The troupe comprised folk singers, dancers and musicians specializing in traditional music and instrumentalists from all parts of the country. The troupe performed at four different places in the Xinjiang region of China.

The Obama administration quietly brought in a group of Iranian musicians to learn about American folk music. It was a small diplomatic gesture, but one the White House hoped would help ease tensions between the U.S. and Iran, two longtime foes.