Janet Samuel. Abuja
The Cultural Counselor to Chinese Embassy and Director, Chinese Cultural Center in Nigeria, Mr Li Xuda has said that cultural diplomacy is a key component that goes beyond political, religious and cultural boundaries to play an important role in multinational cultural exchanges.
Li made this known during the Energy China – Nigeria Dance Competition Final hosted by the China Cultural Center in collaboration with the China General Chambers of Commerce and China Energy International Group on Wednesday in Abuja.
According to him, Nigeria is a land of rich and colorful cultural heritage which gives opportunity for cultural exchanges to thrive.
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He added that, dance has long been recognized as a universal language that transcends cultural differences and communicates emotions and stories in a powerful and evocative way.
“Nigeria, long celebrated for its festivals, music, sculptures, literature, film, and dance, is seen by China as an essential partner in advancing its cultural diplomacy objectives in Africa.
“By nurturing cultural exchanges and forging cultural connections, China envisions a more profound bilateral relationship with Nigeria in the future,”.
While saying that Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage creates a conducive environment for cultural exchanges to flourish, the Director urged China and Nigeria to leverage on dance culture to promote diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of China Energy, Mr. Li Baisheng, who commended the Embassy and participants for their dedication and commitment to enhancing cultural exchanges between China and Nigeria., noted that, the group adored the concept of “harmonious coexistence and harmony in diversity” in cultural exchanges and persist in mutual learning among civilizations.
According to him, “Energy China is also committed to promoting economic, trade and cultural exchanges and cooperation between the two countries to reach the goal of “sharing Chinese Harmony,and performing Nigeria-China
In a remark, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy James Sule, who noted that, Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and diverse traditions were essential elements that can be showcased globally through cultural diplomacy, maintained that Nigeria is commitment to fostering lasting mutual ties with China through cultural diplomacy.
High points of the event was the presentation of cash prizes to the winners from both countries, (The Bwari dance group from Nigeria and Wang Ao from China) whereby, the two groups got the cash prizes of N500,000 each for the first position while the second and third position received cash prizes of N200,000, and N100,000 respectively.
