UAE-China Week to be held annually

thenational.ae

The first UAE-China Week was held two weeks ago during the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to the UAE

Image from article, with caption: An Emirati woman and a Chinese woman play xiangqi or Chinese chess, at Manarat Al Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi.

A week dedicated to celebrating the cultures of both the UAE and China will be held annually.

The Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development and the Public Diplomacy [JB emphasis] and Culture Directorate at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation made the announcement on Saturday in response to the success of the inaugural UAE-China week that was partially held during the Chinese President's visit to the country this month.

Events will be held in both countries to celebrate with the intention of highlighting local heritage.

Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, said the week would promote cultural exchange.

"UAE-China cultural relations have developed after the recent visit of the Chinese President Xi Jinping and we are keen on taking advantage of the results of this visit and the friendly relations between the two countries to highlight our civilisation, culture and heritage to our friends in China based on our deep belief that culture is one of the factors that create a civilised dialogue among peoples," Ms Al Kaabi said.

"It will also encourage Emirati innovators and youth to communicate with their Chinese counterparts to build bridges of co-operation."

She said UAE-China Week facilitated cultural intermingling and has become a platform to allow thought leaders and artists to meet, exchange views and learn about each other cultures and traditions.

Zaki Nusseibeh, Minister of State said making the week annual would help convey the Emirati message and values to Chinese society.