SATV 22 June, Kathmandu: The opening ceremony of "70 Years of China-Nepal Friendship: Advancing Together on the Path of Friendship—the First China's Xizang Connections · Culture Week" was held in Kathmandu, capital of Nepal on Saturday.
This year marks the 70th anniversary of China-Nepal diplomatic relations. The First China's Xizang Connections · Culture Week aims to further strengthen the trans-Himalayan friendship and enhance bilateral cultural exchanges and cooperation, as well as advance the building of a China-Nepal community with a shared future. This event is jointly hosted by the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Nepal, China International Communications Group (CICG), and Xizang International Culture Association of China. Organized by China Xizang Daily and China Xizang Media Group Co., Ltd., with support from South Asia Network TV and Nepal-China Media Forum, the large-scale event has attracted over 1,000 guests representing various sectors from both China and Nepal. Lasting for one week, the event features a series of enriching activities, including a Xizang-themed photo exhibition, cultural salons, and symposiums.
At the opening ceremony, Ms. Bimala Ghimire, Vice Chairperson of the National Assembly of Nepal, H. E. Mr. Chen Song, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to Nepal, and Mr. Luo Jun, Head of the China Xizang Delegation and Vice President of Xizang International Culture Association of China, delivered warm addresses and jointly inaugurated the First China's Xizang Connections·Culture Week.
In her address, Ms. Bimala Ghimire stated that the friendship between Nepal and China has flourished across centuries, with cultural exchange remaining a cornerstone of bilateral ties. The First China's Xizang Connections·Culture Week offers Nepalese people a valuable opportunity to deepen their understanding of China's Xizang. Through these activities, Nepali audiences will gain a comprehensive perspective on Xizang's natural beauty, cultural heritage, and development achievements, as well as further strengthening mutual understanding and friendship.
Ambassador Chen Song noted that the development of China's Xizang is a vivid portrayal of the Communist Party of China leading the Chinese people in the pursuit of economic prosperity, social progress, and the protection of human rights. "Tibetan culture is an integral part of the diverse yet unified pattern of Chinese civilization. China and Nepal share profound historical ties in cultural exchanges. Through this event featuring artistic performances, cultural salons, and photo exhibitions—we hope participants will discover Xizang's rich history, magnificent landscapes, and its confidence, openness, prosperity and Vibrance." stated Ambassador Chhen. He also expressed China's will to work together with Nepal to implement the Global Civilization Initiative, successfully host the First China's Xizang Connections·Culture Week, and lay a solid cultural foundation for the building of a China-Nepal community with a shared future.
In his address, Mr. Luo Jun reviewed the millennia-old friendly exchanges between China and Nepal. From ancient times — when eminent monks visited each other and translated Buddhist scriptures, as well as royal marriages — to Nepali craftsmen built the White Pagoda in China, and down to the visible imprints of China-Nepal cultural exchange throughout Xizang today, these enduring connections vividly demonstrate the inseparable cultural bonds and enduring friendship.
Luo also introduced Xizang's development achievements in the new era. Today, China's Xizang is a place where tradition and modernity blend seamlessly. From the golden roofs of the Potala Palace to the "Fuxing" bullet trains speeding through the canyons, from the prayer wheels in ancient temples that have spun for a thousand years to the 5G signals emitted from the summit of Mount Qomolangma, Xizang is safeguarding the roots of its traditional culture while embracing the world with an open-minded attitude. Today, China's Xizang witnesses a harmonious coexistence of ecology and civilization. Xizang shoulders the responsibility of building itself into a high-ground for national and even global ecological civilization. It is interpreting to the world the Eastern wisdom that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets, and so are ice and snow" through its concrete actions. Today, China's Xizang is a land of unity and progress. Here, people from all ethnic groups interact, communicate, and integrate with one another. They strive together in unity, work towards common prosperity and development, and advance together in equality. Today, China's Xizang is confident, open, and inclusive. As a crucial frontier for China's opening-up to South Asia, in 2024, Xizang engaged in trade with 140 countries or regions around the world. Nepal has consistently been one of the most important trading partners of China's Xizang.
Luo Jun extended a heartfelt invitation to friends from all sectors in Nepal to pay a visit to China's Xizang, joining a spiritual journey that transcends mountains and seas together.
At the opening ceremony, performers from the Lhasa Song and Dance Troupe of China's Xizang Autonomous Region captivated the audience with vibrant performances including Tibetan Opera Ode to Auspiciousness, Tibetan Dance Ritual Melodies of the Sacred Land & Swift Dance Steps, elevating the event to its climax.
The concurrent Xizang-themed photo exhibition became a major attraction, with its exquisite visuals vividly capturing the dynamic development of Xizang, its rich cultural heritage, ecological beauty as well as the enduring friendship and cooperation between China's Xizang and Nepal.
