China and Tanzania have launched the "Culture and Tourism Year" project in Beijing, which is expected to hold a great variety of dazzling performances and promotional events to deepen ties and boost exchanges between the two countries.
Tanzanians in Beijing delivered traditional dance and drum performances, while Chinese performers also staged fascinating shows, as China welcomed both the Foreign Minister and Tourism Minister of Tanzania to the Chinese capital this week.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Tanzania, and the two countries are hosting a series of bilateral cultural events.
For the vibrant Tanzanian community in Beijing, connections extend beyond trade.
"My connection in China is that, first of all, I married a Chinese, I mean, I have a Chinese family. And now, another connection is the good relationship between my country Tanzania and China," said Joseline Yahaya Rajabu, assistant manager of Mozeti Tours and Safaris, a Tanzanian tourism service provider.
The bustling event took stock of the decades-long bond, and also presented the chance to grow the China-Tanzania relationship in the future.
"For us it's a huge opportunity to showcase the tourist attractions and tourism investment opportunities available for the two countries. For the Chinese investors, for the Chinese travelers, we want to reassure them that Tanzania is the ultimate destination when it comes to unforgettable experiences," said Ephraim Balozi Mafaru, director general of Tanzanian Tourist Board.
Beyond tourism, China and Tanzania have pledged to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in infrastructure, agriculture and health care as part of their comprehensive strategic partnership.
Chinese performer Wan Linmei said the power of music and songs are instrumental to bring the two countries closer. "I know something about Tanzanian music, and I think what makes the Tanzanian people distinctive is that their sense of rhythm is innate, which I think is given by God. This time by attending the opening ceremony, I sincerely feel that through the exchange of music and culture, we can quickly deepen our friendship," she said.
2024 China-Tanzania Culture and Tourism Year opens in Beijing
2024 China-Tanzania Culture and Tourism Year opens in Beijing
On his second official visit to China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai expressed admiration for China's remarkable ability to balance preserving its cultural heritage with embracing innovative transformation.
Salwai paid an official visit to China from July 7 to 12. During his trip, he toured the southern province of Guangdong and explored the megacities of Beijing and Shanghai. His visit included tours of high-tech companies, a ride on a high-speed train, and a performance of traditional Cantonese opera.
In an interview with China Central Television Network (CCTV) aired on Friday, Salwai recounted his journey starting with a warm welcome that included enjoying Beijing Roast Duck, also known as Peking Duck -- a culinary delight introduced to him by the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu.
"Many had to say. Peking Duck. Because we had it here on our arrival, so it was very tasty. And I understand that the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu brought us to one of the traditional restaurants, small but beautiful," he said. The prime minister sees China's preservation of its culture as a vital lesson in understanding one's roots and the journey to the present day, acknowledging China's efforts to integrate cultural preservation with modernization.
"It's going to be my second official visit to China. I'm always impressed to see big changes and especially innovations made by China and especially the cities. Because a big impression is to see how China continues to maintain and keep its culture. Because I think it's the basis of everything -- to know where you come from and to understand where we are today. I feel that China is doing a lot to maintain its culture, but at the same time, doing, innovating to transform its culture,” Salwai said.
He also emphasized the importance of learning from China's sustainable development strategies.
"Today, it comes from a long way, some hardship, the government, and also the people of China. So, I'm impressed to see what is done, especially how China associates infrastructure development with nature. That's meant to keep, continue to keep the environment. It takes effort with the climate change by maintaining the ecosystem. I think it's something that, for a small country like Vanuatu, is important to learn. So, we are here. I'm here with my delegation to learn," Salwai said.
Vanuatu's PM commends China's cultural preservation, innovation amid fast growth
