Chinese Ambassador: Cultural exchange, vital bridge for deepening cooperation between China and Nigeria.
By: Mnena Iyorkegh, Abuja
People’s Republic of China has underscored cultural exchanges as a vital bridge for deepening cooperation and mutual understanding between China and Nigeria.
The Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, Ambassador Yu Dunhai, stated this this at the Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration on in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
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Dunhai explained that the Mid-Autumn Festival is not only about family reunion and happiness, but a platform to showcase friendship, shared values to strengthening ties between China-Nigeria.
“Today is far more than a display of artistry, it is a heartfelt expression of our warmest wishes for the China-Nigeria friendship. As a Chinese saying goes, “Friendship, which derives from close contact between peoples, holds the key to sound state-to-state relations.”
Cultural exchange, as a vital part of China-Nigeria relations, serves as a bridge that strengthens cooperation across all sectors.
The Chinese Ambassador, highlighting the importance of the China’s Mid-Autumn Festival, he said friendship, “China’s Mid-Autumn Festival falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month. It’s a special day that really captures the Chinese spirit of family reunion, harmony, and mutual support.
It’s all about cherishing the people we love and hoping for a happy life. On this day, we enjoy moon-cakes while admiring the full moon, sending our thoughts and best wishes to family and friends who aren’t by our side.
This sentiment is beautifully captured in a famous line of Chinese poetry: “The sea mirrors the rising moon bright; Miles apart, our hearts share tonight”, he said
He also commended Shenzhen, the home city of the performing artists, as a symbol of China’s rapid modernisation.
“From a small fishing village, Shenzhen has become a world-renowned metropolis with a GDP of over 500 billion USD. Yet, what makes Shenzhen unique is not only technology and innovation, but also a vibrant cultural scene that blends tradition with creativity,” he noted.
Dunhai also extended warm wishes to both nations, saying: “On this special occasion, we hope our Chinese and Nigerian friends will not only enjoy the performances but also take with them the spirit of reunion, harmony, and cooperation.”
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary Nigeria’s Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Dr Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, emphasised that Nigeria and China share similar cultural values rooted in family, community, and thanksgiving.
“The Mid-Autumn Festival speaks of harvest, reunion, and blessings. These values are not foreign to us in Nigeria. This shared appreciation for life’s most precious gifts forms a powerful bridge between our peoples. This synchronicity is a powerful symbol. It reminds us that though we are separated by geography, our aspirations for national pride, development, and progress are aligned,” Muhammad declared.
According the Permanent Secretary, cultural events go beyond entertainment, serving as vital tools for diplomacy, adding that Nigeria’s vibrant creative industries are key drivers of cultural diplomacy and global engagement.
“Events like this are not just social gatherings; they are vital platforms for people-to-people connection. Through tourism and cultural exchange, we break down stereotypes and build lasting bonds. The creative economy serves as a dynamic engine for this engagement, showcasing the talent and spirit of our people to the world, including our friends in China,” he said.
Mr. Muhammad urged both countries to extend cooperation beyond trade and infrastructure into culture and human understanding, adding, “Let us toast to the harvest of our growing friendship, and may the bond between our two nations grow ever stronger.”
Guests at the celebrations were thrilled with performances from the Shenzhen Xingzhe Fusion Orchestra, Shenzhen Opera and Dance Theatre, Shantou Acrobatics Troupe, Abuja Wushu Association and the National Troupe of Nigeria.
The event, drew diplomats, government officials and cultural groups.
