Gender, Culture, the Arts and Heritage PS Ummi Bashir speaking on January 19, 2025/ LEAH MUKANGAI.Gender, Culture, the Arts and Heritage PS Ummi Bashir has said continued cultural exchange between Kenya and China will strengthen bilateral relations.
PS Bashir said the two countries enjoy cordial relations based on mutual trust and respect.
While speaking on Sunday during China's New Year's Eve gala in Nairobi, the PS said the two countries will work together to strengthen the ties.
"Kenya recognizes the One China policy with Taiwan as an integral part of China. Over the years, China has become one of Kenya's most important and strategic partners, supporting national development in different sectors of the economy, especially infrastructural development," she said.
"Gradually, culture and tourism are gaining their rightful place in bilateral cooperation and will contribute to the growth of bilateral relations between the two countries."
FUBECO managing
director Bao Ping, Kenya Overseas Chinese Association chairperson Gao, Chinese
to Kenya Ambassador Guo Haiyan and Culture PS Ummi Bashir during the Chinese
New Year gala at Two Rivers Mall, Nairobi on January 19, 2025/LEAH MUKANGAI.The PS added that cultural diplomacy is an important aspect for the two governments saying Kenya will endeavor to work together to create fruitful partnerships.
"Kenya remains committed to strengthening cultural cooperation's seeking new opportunities to enhance friendship and there is huge potential," she added.
According to the PS, cultural exchanges between Kenya and China will contribute to advancing global civilization, common values of humanity and the importance of inheritance and innovation of civilizations.
She said it is also a way of building a robust international people-to-people exchange and cooperation.
"In this new year, let us remember the importance of hope, compassion and goodwill to use culture to reach out to others to share happiness to foster long-lasting relationships and understanding," the PS added.
She conveyed a message of goodwill to the people of China and the government as they start a new year.
"I wish you a year of happiness, health and continued prosperity. May the New Year be marked by stronger Kenya and China partnerships which will benefit the two countries and their people through cultural cooperation and diplomacy."
Speaking at the same event, Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan said the festival is not just a Chinese event but it is now globally recognized.
The Ambassador said the event provided an opportunity for Chinese and Kenyan citizens to interact and learn the Chinese culture.
"Through the global civilization initiative, we advocate for inter-action of mutual learning of different cultures and civilizations. From the festival, we can learn from each other and eventually benefit each other,” she said.
Ambassador Haiyan said the Spring Festival is an important occasion and a representative of Chinese culture to communicate with the world.
"It is a bridge for us to preach the Chinese wisdom to others," she added.
She said China and Kenya enjoy profound traditional friendship and the relationship is characterised by mutual respect and support.
Ambassador Haiyan added that China is ready to walk with Kenya in strengthening bilateral relations and mutual trust.
The Ambassador wished the Chinese community and Kenyans a happy Spring Festival.
Kenyans joined the Chinese community in the country to mark the Chinese New Year gala in Nairobi.
Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Ambassador Guo Haiyan and Gender,
Culture, the Arts and Heritage PS Ummi Bashir assess a photo exhibition during the Chinese New Year gala event at Two Rivers Mall, Nairobi on January 19, 2025/LEAH MUKANGAI
It marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. The festival takes place from Chinese New Year's Eve to the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the year.
The first day of the Chinese New Year begins on the new moon that appears between 21 January and 20 February.
During the gala event, guests were treated to different Chinese cuisines, food and culture.
