Online Reporter
Gibson Nyikadzino
The future of Zimbabwe-China relations continues to show signs of strength for the benefit of upcoming generations as the two countries deepen cultural ties through exchanges in the film and arts sectors, Deputy Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Emily Jesaya said yesterday.
Addressing guests at the inaugural China Film Festival in Zimbabwe in Harare, Deputy Minister Jesaya expressed Zimbabwe’s commitment to continue using film as an effective vehicle of cooperation to tell the Zimbabwean story and to bridge cooperation with China.
“Chinese cinema has been widely celebrated for its artistry and storytelling, and through such festivals as this, Zimbabweans gain deeper insight into the Chinese culture and creativity.
“Likewise, cultural exports from Zimbabwe, from music and art to indigenous films, are gaining greater visibility in China and beyond. By cultivating people-to-people ties, we strengthen the fabric of China-Zimbabwe relations for future generations,” she said.
Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Zhou Ding said the festival, which comes at the backdrop of the 45th anniversary of China-Zimbabwe relations and the implementation of the 2024 FOCAC resolutions is set to bring the two peoples together.
“We have forged unbreakable bonds of friendship, building tangible benefits for our people. Our people-to-people cooperation has been robust following the exhibition of stone sculptures in China last year by Zimbabwe’s Dominic Benhura. We are therefore opening a series of cultural events to mark 45 years of our bilateral cooperation,” Amb Zhou said.
Peter Tanyanyiwa