Yang Xin: China continues to deepen cultural exchanges and strengthen cooperation with Kuwait

- Aisha Al-Mahmoud: We look forward to strengthening cultural cooperation with China and expanding opportunities for exchanging expertise and creative experiences.

The Chinese Ambassador to Kuwait, Yang Xin, emphasized the importance of enhancing cultural exchanges between the two countries and broadening the horizons of cooperation in various fields, which would contribute to consolidating friendship between the two peoples and fostering mutual understanding among civilizations.

This came during the “Chinese Cultural Night” evening event, held the day before yesterday, featuring artists from China’s Hebei Province and attended by official and cultural figures and cultural enthusiasts.

In a speech at the event, the Chinese ambassador said that China and Kuwait, despite the geographical distance between them, share a deep friendship that has evolved over many years of communication and exchange. He noted that this year marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. He added that China is ready to work with Kuwait to continue deepening cultural exchanges, renewing traditional friendship, and enhancing cooperation in various fields, thereby supporting the building of a China-Arab community with a shared future.

Yang explained that Hebei Province, known in ancient times as Yanzhao, is one of the important cradles of Chinese civilization, distinguished by a rich cultural heritage and folk arts passed down through generations over thousands of years. The evening featured performances of Chinese martial arts and acrobatics by artists from the province, showcasing aspects of Chinese cultural heritage characterized by diversity and authenticity.

The ambassador noted that these arts are not limited to aesthetic and entertainment value, but also reflect cultural and philosophical values. He clarified that Chinese martial arts emphasize that the highest form of strength lies in resolving conflict rather than resorting to violence, while acrobatics embody the balance between strength, skill, and harmony. He affirmed that the values of peace, friendship, and harmony constitute a fundamental part of Chinese culture and are reflected in China’s diplomatic approach. He pointed out that the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, calls for enhancing peaceful coexistence among civilizations.

For her part, Aisha Adnan Al-Mahmoud, Assistant Secretary-General for the Culture Sector at the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters in Kuwait, stated that the evening reflected the depth of friendship and cooperation between Kuwait and China, and underscored the role of culture in enhancing communication and understanding among peoples. She added that the Council is keen on strengthening international cultural relations and expanding cooperation with cultural institutions worldwide, based on its belief that cultural exchange is a cornerstone of dialogue among civilizations and an effective means of bringing societies closer. She explained that the event provided the audience with an opportunity to learn about the cultural and artistic heritage of Hebei Province through artistic performances, folk arts, and traditional crafts, while highlighting the importance of preserving intangible cultural heritage and passing it on to future generations.

Al-Mahmoud expressed Kuwait’s aspiration to enhance cultural cooperation with China and expand opportunities for exchanging expertise and creative experiences, contributing to enriching the cultural landscape in both countries and consolidating values of openness and mutual respect.

For her part, Sheikhah Al-Anoud Al-Sabah, founder of the Kuwaiti-Chinese Friendship Club, stated that culture represents an important bridge for communication between the two countries, noting that the evening embodied this role through Kung Fu and acrobatics performances, calligraphy art, and introductions to traditional Chinese cuisine. She added that the club, which opened in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy a year ago, has worked to support cultural activities and promote Chinese culture and language within Kuwaiti society, as well as introduce Kuwaiti culture to Chinese citizens residing in the country, thereby enhancing mutual cultural exchange between the two peoples.

She pointed out that cultural relations between Kuwait and China have witnessed notable development in recent years, manifested in activities organized by the Chinese Cultural Center and growing interest in learning the Chinese language. She expressed hope that regional conditions would enable the achievement of peace and the resumption of cultural programs bringing together youth, artists, and creatives from both countries, emphasizing the importance of continuing to expand cooperation in the fields of arts, tourism, and youth expertise exchange.

The evening concluded with a reaffirmation of the importance of continuing to enhance cultural exchange as a cornerstone for consolidating Kuwaiti-Chinese relations and developing friendship and understanding between the two peoples.