(Cultural Summer 18) Showcases Chinese Tea-Making Ceremonies and Enhances Cultural Exchange
Kuwait City, 23 Aug (KUNA) -- The National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) and the Chinese Cultural Center in Kuwait presented a traditional Chinese tea ceremony today as part of the “Summer Cultural Festival 18,” aiming to enhance cultural exchange and highlight the similarities and convergences between Chinese and Arab tea cultures.
Dr. Mohammed Al-Jassar, Secretary-General of the NCCAL, said in a statement that the event is the result of cooperation and partnership between the Council and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening cultural exchange and communication between the peoples of the two friendly countries.
Al-Jassar added that the event offers more than just an introduction to the preparation and serving of tea; it opens a window onto an authentic aspect of Chinese culture and acquaints attendees with rituals and values passed down through generations.
He noted that observing Kuwaiti and Arab tea ceremonies alongside Chinese tea ceremonies embodies the convergence of cultures, human bonds, and shared daily customs among peoples and civilizations, despite differences in time and place.
He pointed out that in many cultures, tea is not merely a daily habit but a means of communication, bringing people together and bridging distances. He emphasized that the moment of preparing and serving tea embodies values of hospitality, respect, tranquility, and dialogue—values that transcend linguistic and geographical boundaries.
Al-Jassar expressed his hope for more joint events and initiatives that enrich Kuwait’s cultural landscape and strengthen cultural ties between the two countries.
For his part, Chinese Ambassador to Kuwait Yang Xin told KUNA that the event falls within the framework of cooperation between the Chinese Cultural Center and the NCCAL, reflecting the depth of cultural convergence and exchange between the two friendly countries.
He added that this year marks the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Kuwait and the People’s Republic of China, underscoring the existence of broad areas for enhancing cultural cooperation.
Yang noted that the Chinese Cultural Center in Kuwait is the first Chinese cultural center in a Gulf country and serves as an important bridge and platform for cultural exchange and enhanced communication between the Kuwaiti and Chinese peoples.
The event featured introductory presentations, demonstrations on tea culture, interactive experiences, an exhibition of tea utensils, and sessions for tasting selected varieties of tea and traditional sweets representing the cultures of China and the Arab world. (End) shhd / tab
