Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan led celebrations on Sunday in preparation for the upcoming Spring Festival.
The event, held at the Two Rivers Mall in Nairobi, saw Kenyans join their Chinese counterparts in the festivities. During the well-attended gala, Ambassador Guo reiterated that, in addition to strengthening bilateral ties, China is dedicated to deepening cultural exchanges to enhance understanding among diverse communities and nations.
“China actively implements the Global Civilization Initiative and advocates exchanges, mutual learning, inheritance and development among different civilizations. Today’s Nairobi Chinese New Year Gala is a vivid practice of this initiative,” she said.
“The Spring Festival contains the cultural genes and emotions that have been transmitted within the Chinese nation for thousands of years. This Festival embodies the common human aspiration for a better life, happy family, social inclusion, and harmonious coexistence between man and nature,” the Ambassador added.
Describing it as the most significant festival in China, Guo stated that the Spring Festival demonstrates the inclusiveness and diversity of Chinese culture. In today’s era of globalization, she noted, different civilizations can learn from, complement, and ultimately benefit each other.
In her speech, Guo, who began her tour of duty in Nairobi just under a fortnight ago, advocated for the promotion of the concept of “civilisation of equality, mutual learning, dialogue, and inclusiveness,” aiming to foster harmonious coexistence and mutual achievement among different civilizations, and to collaboratively advance the progress and development of human civilization.
As an integral part of its culture, she said that China will forge new and enhanced partnerships with Kenya aimed at fostering mutual understanding and cooperation that is beneficial for both sides.
“As the new Chinese Ambassador, I will work hard, together with my colleagues and the team in the embassy, to make a great contribution, strengthen our mutual trust, and enhance fruitful cooperation in various spheres, as well as people-to-people contact and friendship,” she stated.
Arts and Heritage Principal Secretary Ummi Bashir praised the enduring friendship between Kenya and China. According to the PS, the two nations have a long-standing relationship, characterized by strong diplomatic ties.
“China has over the years supported key national development projects across various sectors, especially infrastructure development. Gradually, culture and tourism have gained their rightful place in the bilateral relations between the two nations,” she said.
She highlighted that cultural cooperation serves as a vital tool for people-to-people contact and remains a key pillar of the strategic partnership, acting as both a bridge and a foundation for fostering mutual understanding, friendship, trust, and respect.
Attendees had the opportunity to experience writing Spring Festival couplets, making window flowers, wearing traditional Chinese clothing, enjoying dumplings, weaving Chinese knots, and participating in dragon and lion dances, among other activities.
The gala was organized by the Chinese embassy in Kenya, along with the overseas Chinese community in the country.
