The Chargé D’affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Zhang Yi has stressed the importance of using dance as a tool to deepen relations between China and Nigeria for mutual benefits.
Zhang disclosed this during the Energy China – Nigeria Dance Competition” held in Abuja over the weekend. Yi proposed leveraging dance culture as a vehicle for cultural exchange and communication.
The event which saw a collaboration with China Energy International Group Nigeria, among others, sought to chart an alternate route to economic growth through the arts.
Zhang said:
“We believe that dance expresses our feelings, our love, and also our passion towards life.
“Dance culture serves as a powerful means of expression and communication, breaking down barriers and promoting cooperation and understanding between nations
“China and Nigeria have the potential to foster greater cultural exchange and communication through dance, despite their differences in language, religion, and ethnicity
Therefore the need for the two countries to use dance as a way to deepen relations between them for mutual benefits”
He stressed the possibilities for greater cultural exchange between China and Nigeria, Zhang noted that despite differences in language, religion, and ethnicity, both nations can find common ground through the universal language of dance.
The Managing Director from China Energy, Li Baisheng, In his remarks noted that dance provides an avenue to appreciate the rich cultural heritage and diversity of both China and Nigeria while creating a platform for cultural exchange and collaboration. He stated that there was a need for integration on a deeper level than simply exchange of trade.
“We are not only focusing on infrastructure but also committed to promoting mutually beneficial cooperation through cultural exchange,” Baisheng said.
The relationship between China and Nigeria continues to grow through both conventional and non conventional means with both countries seeking a last collaboration for the African and Asian giants.
