Nearly half a million people took part in more than 800 cultural events and 125 training programmes since the setting up of the China Cultural Centre in Malta 15 years ago.

Some of the events have made their way into the local diary and are now annual appointments with the public, which is the centre’s ultimate aim: sharing Chinese culture with the Maltese.

Its director, Wang Yanjun, noted that the centre has played a “meaningful role on Malta’s unique multicultural stage, aspiring to achieve mutual benefits and win-win results”.

Referring to President Xi Jinping’s speech at the Unesco headquarters about the special mission of overseas cultural centres and workers, he said there was no doubt that deepening cultural exchange and mutual understanding would not only expand and strengthen relations between China and Malta but also nurture the bonds of friendship and pass on the joint legacy to our children and successors.

In Chinese Ambassador Jiang Jiang’s words, “culture serves as a bridge between nations and a catalyst for forging friendship and facilitating mutual understanding”.

He acknowledged that, though geographically far apart, China and Malta maintained cultural exchanges for decades and learned “a great deal” from each other in this process.

“Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, cooperation in the cultural field has made tremendous progress. The Maltese people began to know China through Chinese films, television programmes, acrobatics and cuisine,” Mr Jiang said.

The setting up of the centre in 2003, one of the first in Europe, elevated bilateral cooperation in the cultural area to a new high.

“Since my arrival in Malta, I have had the pleasure to participate in quite a number of events held by the centre, such as the Happy Chinese New Year in Valletta, World Tai Chi Day and Moon Festival Gala,” Mr Jiang said.

“Whenever I attend such events, I realise how close our two peoples are and how enthusiastic the Maltese people are toward Chinese culture.”

Photo: Matthew MirabelliPhoto: Matthew Mirabelli

The Ambassador pointed out that China-Malta relations were at a new starting point.

Cultural exchange, he said, would feature even more prominently in China-Malta relations through participation in the Belt and Road Initiative that Malta was very interested in.

“I firmly believe the centre will play a bigger role in deepening the cultural cooperation and people-to-people exchanges between our two countries,” Mr Jiang noted.

The next event organised by the cultural centre is the Melodious Fujian Moon Festival Performance, which will be held at Pjazza Teatru Rjal, Valletta, on Saturday, in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund.

More information on maltaccc@gmail.com or 2122 5055.

Photo: Matthew MirabelliPhoto: Matthew Mirabelli

Photo: Kevin CashaPhoto: Kevin Casha

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