Special cultural events celebrating the upcoming 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) on October 1 were held in Nigeria's Abuja on Tuesday and Saudi Arabia's Riyadh on Thursday.
\"Written in the Sky: My China Story\" is a series of cultural events launched by China Media Group in March 2024 to gather individual stories related to the PRC from around the world.
At the event in Abuja, attendees watched a documentary titled \"Close Friends across Continents,\" showcasing mutually beneficial cooperation between the PRC and African countries, the connection between their peoples, and the mutual learning of civilizations.
Yu Dunhai, the Chinese ambassador to Nigeria, stated that since the establishment of diplomatic ties more than half a century ago, the bilateral relationship has withstood international changes and grown stronger.
Yu added, \"As the two countries have elevated their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership, the PRC and Nigeria will work together to advance the modernization process and make greater contributions to the well-being of their peoples, as well as safeguard world peace and prosperity.\"
Jafaru Yakubu, chairman of the House Committee on China/Nigeria Parliamentary Friendship Group, highlighted the PRC's role in driving economic growth, job creation, and infrastructure improvements in Nigeria and across Africa.
Meanwhile, at the Riyadh event, attendees shared their personal stories related to the PRC.
Saleh Alsagri, former cultural counselor of the Saudi Embassy in the PRC, recounted witnessing the rapid development of people-to-people exchanges between Saudi Arabia and the PRC. He noted that the number of Saudi students in the PRC increased from less than 80 to over 1,200 within four years.
Alsagri emphasized that these students now play significant roles in Saudi Arabia's economic and scientific sectors, while also fostering friendly relations between the two nations.
Yahiya Mahmoud bin Junaid, chairman of the Saudi Center for Research and Intercommunication Knowledge, spoke about the high-level development of relations between Saudi Arabia and the PRC. He pointed out that the PRC's Belt and Road Initiative aligns well with Saudi Vision 2030, and that both sides have maintained close cooperation in political, economic, and cultural fields.
Guests at both events expressed hope for deepening cultural exchanges and cooperation with the PRC, strengthening friendships across generations, and jointly creating a brighter future for bilateral relations.
Reference(s):
Special cultural events in Nigeria, Saudi Arabia mark PRC's 75 years
cgtn.com
