China-Africa Cultural Symposium EndsThe Symposium on China-Africa Cultural Exchanges in the New Century concluded Wednesday in the Beijing International Convention Center.The symposium, sponsored by China's Ministry of Culture, aimed to summarize the experiences of cultural exchange between China and African countries, explore new ways for further exchange under new circumstances and push forward the overall friendly relationship between China and African countries. High-ranking cultural officials from 22 African countries and the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and Chinese cultural officials and experts participated in the two-day symposium. During the past two days, participants discussed the achievements and experience of cultural exchanges between China and Africa, new means of further cooperation, and effective protection of traditional cultures of both sides. Li Gang, director of the ministry's cultural exchange liaison department, said that his ministry decided to set up special funds for helping African countries. In coming years, China will also explore new ways for conducting commercial exhibitions and performances of African arts groups, Li said. Meanwhile, the country plans to expand cooperation in cultural industries and professional training. It will also introduce more African cultures to the Chinese people, Li added. The symposium is a follow-up activity of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum -- Ministerial Meeting Beijing 2000, which ended on October 12. Meanwhile, the ministry will also organize a performance by the National Ballet of the Republic of Congo and the National Ballet of the Republic of Guinea, as well as a photo exhibition -- "China and Africa" -- from October 25 to 29 in the Forbidden City. |
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