China, Kuwait celebrate 55 years of ties through music, heritage, cultural exchange
. . . deepen ties through Hebei heritage at mid-autumn festival event
- Chinese ambassador highlights cultural exchange as pillar of Kuwait-China ties
Chinese Ambassador to Kuwait Yang Xin has highlighted the role of cultural exchange in strengthening mutual understanding between China and Kuwait, describing it as a key pillar of bilateral relations during the two countries’ 55 years of diplomatic ties.
His remarks came at the cultural event “Where the Moonlight of Hebei Meets the Gulf,” organized by the Chinese Cultural Center in Kuwait to mark the Mid-Autumn Festival. The event was attended by Dr Mohammed Al-Jassar, Secretary-General of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, along with ambassadors, diplomats and other guests, and featured performances by Chinese and Kuwaiti artists.
Yang Xin said he was pleased to celebrate the festival in Kuwait and welcomed artists from China’s Hebei Province. He also thanked those involved in strengthening cultural relations between the two countries. The ambassador explained that the Mid-Autumn Festival is deeply rooted in Chinese tradition and is traditionally associated with family reunions, harmony, sharing and hopes for prosperity.
He said these values resonate with Kuwaiti society and provide an opportunity for people in both countries to exchange wishes for family happiness, social harmony and peace. He stressed that cultural exchange and mutual learning have helped build lasting links between the Chinese and Kuwaiti peoples throughout the 55-year history of diplomatic relations, which he said are based on mutual respect, equality and cooperation across various fields.
The event also showcased elements of Hebei’s intangible cultural heritage, including lion dance, kung fu and shadow-puppet theatre, adding a cultural dimension to the longstanding relationship between the two countries. Yang Xin said China hopes to expand cultural exchanges with Kuwait by creating new channels and opportunities to bring the two peoples closer and further strengthen bilateral relations. “Thousands of miles may separate China and Kuwait, but tonight we share the same moonlight,” he said.
Al-Jassar, meanwhile, stressed the ability of culture and the arts to create bridges between peoples regardless of geographical distance. He praised the Chinese ambassador, the Chinese Cultural Center, organizers, artists and participants for contributing to the event. He said Kuwait regards art, history and poetry as universal forms of human expression, adding that building meaningful cultural links, promoting cultural exchange and strengthening ties between peoples remain central to the work of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters.
Al-Jassar also noted that Kuwait-China cultural relations have deep historical roots dating back to the middle of the 20th century. He described the Hebei-themed event as another example of the longstanding friendship and cultural convergence between the two countries.
