THE Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof and his delegation recently attended the opening ceremony of 12th China-Asean Cultural Art Forum in Nanning, People’s Republic of China.
The minister expressed his appreciation and gratitude for the invitation and warm hospitality provided by the host country and Guangxi region and congratulated them on the provision of meaningful forums and programmes including the cultural performance from the Guangxi ethnic groups as well as the visits to the Anthropology Museum.
The opening ceremony of 12th China-Asean Cultural Art Forum was held at Anthropology Museum of Guangxi with the theme of ‘Transmitting and Promoting Cultural Arts’.
“The relationship between Asean member countries and China are established and shaped in various dimensions, directions and states with different historic milestones, close relations policies and continued trust and understanding,” the minister said during the opening ceremony.
“This shows that cooperation between Asean and China is a crucial factor for political stability, traditions, economic and social life of society in equally safeguarding the awareness of culture, customs and art works for forming innovative and proactive societies,” he added.
The minister said the annual Cultural Art Forum was launched with the 14th China-Asean Expo (CAEXPO), where this year Brunei Darussalam is a ‘Country of Honour’ capable of adding several platforms that bridge dialogue relationships and providing experts and professionals in sharing experiences that play a significant role in the development of Asean-China relations.
The minister hoped that youth participation can be implemented to ensure that youths can maintain and practise traditional culture through educational institutions and at the same time maintain the harmony of traditional and artistic culture for future generations.
The minister highlighted that this statement is also in keeping with Asean celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and in realising the vision of the Asean 2025 Community where youths are emphasised to be aware and proud of its identity, culture and heritage.
During the official opening ceremony, Deputy Minister of Culture of the People’s Republic of China, Ding Wei presented the keynote address. Also present were Li Kang, the Women Deputy Director of the 11th Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Yang Xiuping, the Secretary General of Asean-China Centre.
It was followed by presentations from participants of Asean member countries and the opportunity to visit several places to witness performances by Guangxi Arts University students and the China-Asean (Nanning) Theatre Week Evening Gala.
Also present at the forum with the minister were Shahminan bin Haji Mohamad Yassin, the Head Coach of Arts and Mohd Azam bin Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Salleh, the Youth and Sports Development Officer from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.
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