Year of Cultural Exchange with China launched
The China–Latin America and the Caribbean Year of Cultural Exchange was inaugurated with a gala in Havana, April 1

Author: Yenia Silva Correa | informacion@granma.cu
april 7, 2016 16:04:33

Zhang Tuo, Chinese ambassador to Cuba attended the gala launching his country’s year of cultural exchange with Latin America.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo: Juvenal Balán
With the presence of Caridad Diego, president of the Cuba-China Friendship Association and member of the Party Central Committee, the inaugural gala of the China – Latin America and the Caribbean Year of Cultural Exchange was held in Havana.
Zhang Tuo, Chinese ambassador to Cuba, thanked Party and government authorities, and directors of the University of Havana and the Confucius Institute, for organizing the event and noted that it was the first celebration of its type in the region.
The idea of celebrating a Year of Cultural Exchange was launched by the President of the People’s Republic of China, Xi Jinping, to follow on from a series of activities which began in 2014 with the founding of the China-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum.
In 2015, the first ministerial meeting of the Forum was held and according to Ambassador Zhang Tuo, this year will see a range of activities of cultural exchange between this sister nation and the countries of the region.

The aim of this project is to build on the traditional friendship and mutual understanding that exists between the Asian giant and Latin America and the Caribbean, while advancing cooperation at all levels.
The inaugural ceremony of the initiative was held in Beijing on March 24-25. The activities in Cuba began with the gala on April 1, held in Havana’s Riviera cinema, and will extend through the month of November with a varied program of exhibitions, conferences and celebrations.
“It’s the first time that China is hosting a year of cultural exchange with Latin America. This is the largest activity of its kind and covers all of Latin America. Over 30 countries are participating. As such the political, economic and cultural significance is very important and will greatly push forward relations between China and Latin America, including Cuba,” Zhang Tuo stated during the gala.
As part of this exchange, recognized artistic groups of the island, such as the Liz Alfonso dance company, have already demonstrated their talent in the Asian nation, and performances by Chinese artists on the island are also expected.
Participating in the inaugural gala were the Cuban School of Wushu, the Conjunto Folklórico Universitario, the Armonía Choir, the Confucius Institute, the groups Entalpía and Alma Mater, of the University of Havana, the Clave de Sol Orchestra and the vocal group Descendientes, who offered a beautiful two-hour show to the audience.