China and Kuwait... on the night of the single moon

Chinese Cultural Center Celebrates Mid-Autumn Festival

Ambassador Yang Shen: Cultural exchange has brought our two peoples closer over 55 years

Al-Jassar: Art and poetry are a universal human language that strengthens communication among peoples

Yang Shen, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Kuwait, affirmed that cultural exchange between the two countries has, over 55 years of diplomatic relations, served as a bridge for mutual understanding and closeness between the two peoples, and a fundamental pillar in the development of China-Kuwait relations.

He made these remarks during the cultural event “Where the Moonlight of Hebei Meets the Gulf,” organized by the Chinese Cultural Center in Kuwait on the evening of the day before yesterday to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival. The event was attended by Dr. Muhammad Al-Jassar, Secretary-General of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, along with several ambassadors, diplomats, and guests, and featured participation by artists from Kuwait and China.

Yang expressed his joy at celebrating the occasion in Kuwait, welcomed the artists coming from Hebei Province in China, and appreciated the efforts of all who contributed to strengthening the close cultural ties between the two countries.

He stated that the Mid-Autumn Festival is deeply rooted in Chinese traditions and represents an occasion for joy and family reunions, while also embodying values of abundance, harmony, sharing, and looking forward to a brighter future. He noted that these meanings significantly intersect with the values of Kuwaiti society, reflecting a human and cultural closeness between the two peoples.

Ambassador Yang added that cultural exchange and mutual learning contribute to building lasting bridges among peoples, as demonstrated by the 55-year trajectory of diplomatic relations between China and Kuwait, which have been founded on mutual respect, equality, and fruitful cooperation in various fields. He pointed out that cultural exchange has remained a vital artery for understanding between the two peoples and has contributed to consolidating bilateral relations. He explained that the event adds a new chapter to this cooperation by presenting examples of the intangible cultural heritage of Hebei Province, including lion dance, kung fu arts, and shadow puppetry.

Yang expressed his country’s aspiration to expand the scope of cultural exchange and innovate new channels and opportunities to bring the two peoples closer and advance bilateral relations further. He said, “Thousands of miles may separate China and Kuwait, but tonight we share the same moonlight.”

For his part, Al-Jassar affirmed that culture possesses a great capacity to build bridges of communication among peoples, no matter how far apart they are. He noted that Kuwait has always believed that art, history, and poetry constitute a universal human language, and that building bridges, encouraging cultural exchange, and bringing peoples closer together is a core mission of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters.

Al-Jassar expressed his appreciation to Ambassador Yang Shen and the team of the Chinese Cultural Center, as well as to the organizers, artists, and participants in the event. He affirmed that Kuwaiti-Chinese cultural relations are rooted in deep historical foundations that began in the mid-20th century and have been solidified through a strong friendship and growing cultural partnerships. He considered the event a clear model of this friendship, reflecting the role of culture in enhancing understanding and communication between Kuwaiti and Chinese societies.

For his part, the Director of the Chinese Cultural Center in Kuwait stated that "the Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the most prominent traditional holidays in China, as the full moon has symbolized family reunion for centuries, while also expressing good wishes for loved ones and homelands, and aspirations for a better life." He quoted the Chinese poet Su Shi: "May we all be blessed with long lives, and may we share the beauty of the moon, even if we are far apart," noting that "those present in Kuwait can gaze at the same moon and share the same sentiments despite the distances."

He added that "the moon holds a special place in Kuwaiti poetry, music, and daily life, and despite differences in languages and cultures in modes of expression, human emotions remain one and the same." He highlighted the participation of Kuwaiti artists alongside their Chinese counterparts in presenting joint performances and interactions on the same stage, providing an opportunity for the two cultures to meet and connect. He expressed his hope that friendship between China and Kuwait would grow stronger and more solid with each new encounter.