• Friday, March 29, 2024
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Nigeria, China to strengthen cultural cooperation, exchanges

Nigeria-China

The Federal Government of Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China said both countries would continue to explore ways and means of expanding their vibrant cultural cooperation  and exchanges within the framework of the recently signed Protocol on implementation of Cultural cooperation and Exchanges.

Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, said this  while making his remarks during  a Cultural Performance presented by the Chinese Zhejiang Wu Opera Troupe in Abuja at the weekend. The cultural performance was jointly organised by the Chinese Embassy and the Ministry of Information and Culture.

The Troupe, which was established in 1956, trilled the Abuja audience with exciting performances replete with rendition of Chinese songs, dances and calisthenics.

Represented by the Director Legal Service in the Ministry, Jacob Ehicheoya, the Minister  said Cultural relations between the two countries were concretised by the signing of the Agreement on Cultural and Educational Cooperation in March, 1990.

“The three decades of Cultural Co-operation has since witnessed several cultural activities and exchanges in Arts, Music, Dance Exhibition, Cultural Administration, Training and Capacity building of Cultural Officers, and recently, the development of Cultural Industries Centers in Nigeria, among others,” the minister said.

He added that such cooperation will continue to make positive and far-reaching impacts on stakeholders of the sector in Nigeria.

Also in his remarks, the Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Abuja, Li Xuda, said that the performance was aimed at promoting cultural exchange and to strengthen the traditional friendship between China and Nigeria in the spirit of the approaching Chinese New year which means new hope for all.

“For China, in this year we will continue to work hard and finish the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects,” he said.

He noted that 2020 marks the 60th Anniversary of the founding the Federal Republic of Nigeria adding that both countries will also celebrate the 49th Anniversary of bilateral ties between each other.

“Culture is a country and nation’s soul. Our country will thrive only if our culture thrives, and our nation will be strong only if our culture is strong. From that we can see the important role culture is playing in every country.

“The relationship between the two countries is based on the affection between the two countries’ civilians,”  he said. He stressed that cultural exchange can help both countries’ reach their goals.

“I think the essence of cultural exchange is people to people exchange, which serves as a bridge, promotes the mutual understanding and mutual learning between countries.

” Let’s work together, learn from each other and support each other to build a great global community full of peace and love! ” he added.