A new milestone in Sino-Egyptian relations
- By Wu Sike
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E-mail China Today, January 21, 2016
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A dragon-dance performance in Cairo in February 2014 to greet the Chinese Year of the Horse. [Photo/China Today] |
People-to-People and Cultural Exchanges a Long Way Ahead
People-to-people and cultural exchanges play a crucial role in supporting the co-construction of the Belt and Road, and pragmatic cooperation is equally important. China and Arab nations are both main cradles of splendid human civilizations, and good friends who learn from one another. Although China and the Arab world have different histories, cultures, social systems, and development models, both sides have conducted longstanding cultural exchanges. Each, moreover, supports diversified cultures, mutual respect, and learning.
Today China and Arab states, including Egypt, carry out proactive reciprocal cultural activities: China has signed agreements with almost every Arab country as regards culture, education, and healthcare, and their corresponding annual implementation plans. Both sides send frequent cultural delegations to one another, and conduct news media cooperation, as well as religious and talent interchanges. They have also established research institutions that organize academic, language, and education exchanges. These enhanced cultural activities have consolidated friendship, and played a positive role in easing international disputes and building a harmonious world.
So far, China has established 19 Confucius Institutes in the Middle East. In 2013 the number of Arab students in China was 14 times that in 2003. China and Middle Eastern countries continue to expand cultural exchanges and dialogues through cultural forums, cultural years and art festivals. These activities serve as a bridge for China and Arab nations – two different civilizations – to hold dialogues on the foundation of mutual respect.
Common interests remain an inexhaustible source of dynamism in Sino-Arab cooperation. However, the complicated and turbulent situation in the Middle East and the collision of different civilizations pose new challenges to China and Arab nations. There is still a long way to go as regards promoting inter-civilization respect and learning. President Xi’s last visit linked China’s efforts to pursue the Chinese Dream with the Arab states’ plan to achieve transformation and development, and promote national rejuvenation.
In future, China and Arab countries, including Egypt, will deepen their cooperation and together upgrade their comprehensive strategic partnership, so jointly building a community of common interests and a shared future.
The author is China's former special envoy on the Middle East issue and a senior diplomat.
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