By Idowu John Bakare – The Chinese Cultural Counselor in Nigeria, Mr. Yan Xiandong has said that there is the need for a more robust cultural relations among Nigerians and Chinese, noting that the state-to-state relations thrive when there is friendship between the people.
Mr Yan said “such friendship grows out of close interactions between the peoples.
Speaking at the special acrobatic performance staged in commemoration of 45 years of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China, the Cultural Counselor noted that “during President Buhari’s successful visit to China last April, leaders of the two countries reached important consensus that, our two countries should give full play to corresponding development strategies, strong economic cooperation and enormous cooperative potential.”
“The two sides should maintain the sound momentum of high-level exchanges to constantly enhance strategic mutual trust,” he said.
Mr. Yan further observed that “earlier this month, China has hosted the G20 Summit in Hangzhou, which shows both the international community’s strong confidence in China and China’s sincere wish to make contribution to the international community.
“China also firmly supports for the implementation of the G20 plan for sustainable development and the recommendations to promote industrialization and economic diversification in Africa.
He said the Embassy of PRC in Nigeria, in collaboration with the ministry of Information and Culture, is busy at implementing the actions plans of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation held in Johannesburg, South Africa last year.
According to him, the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria has continued to promote cultural exchange activities such as the China International Chorus Festival, to provide short time training programmes for Nigerians artists.
Other activities embarked on by the Embassy include theatrical performances, drawing competition, Chinese movies week and Wushu Championships which were held in Abuja to celebrate Chinese Spring Festival at the beginning of this year.
“This year also marks the 3rd anniversary of the founding of China Cultural Center Nigeria, establishment of Chinese Corner Centers in Government schools and the cultural salons among other activities aimed to provide a platform that is joyful, harmonious and accessible to all and to encourage people to experience the profound yet interesting Chinese culture,” Mr. Yan added.
The acrobatic events which featured the award-winning Jiangxi Acrobatic troupe, headed by Jiangxi Cultural Bureau, Mr. Chen Hongmin, entertained the audience at the Chida Hotel high capacity hall with some stunning performance.
“I am pleased today because we have talented artists of Jiangxi Acrobatic Troupe here to thrill us with some awesome and breath taking performances. China is known worldwide for its entertaining and exciting acrobatics arts,” Mr. Yan said.
