The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will hold the UAE-China Week annually to promote bilateral cultural exchanges, the country's state news agency WAM reported Saturday.
The country's Culture Ministry and Foreign Ministry have made the decision days after the first edition of the UAE-China Week held last week in honor of Chinese President Xi Jinping, who recently paid a state visit to the UAE, the news agency said.
Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, emphasized the importance of holding periodic cultural and artistic events between the two countries.
Such activities will consolidate the UAE-China partnership and promote the development of innovative projects between the two sides, she said.
She said that the UAE-China Week has created a unique case of cultural intermingling and has become a platform for cultural exchange and a means that allows thought-leaders and artists to meet, exchange views and learn about each other's culture and traditions.
Zaki Nusseibeh, Minister of State, said the decision (to host the UAE-China Week annually) "comes in line with our strategy to establish bridges of communication with China through culture, arts and heritage to convey the Emirati message and values to the Chinese society with which we have a strong relationship."
During Xi's visit, China and the UAE agreed to upgrade their bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership, which opened a new chapter for strengthening bilateral cooperation.
The two countries also agreed to strengthen people-to-people exchanges by opening cultural centers, launching joint cultural projects, and participating in each other's cultural activities.
