CICG awards Egyptian translator

China International Communications Group (CICG) on Monday presented Egyptian translator Hussein Ismail with the CICG Foreign Expert Outstanding Contribution Award for his devotion to China-Arab cultural exchange and mutual learning over three decades. 

The award was presented by CICG President Du Zhanyuan.

Du Zhanyuan (L), president of China International Communications Group (CICG), presents Egyptian translator Hussein Ismail with the CICG Foreign Expert Outstanding Contribution Award in Beijing on June 19, 2023. [Photo/CICG]

Du first congratulated him on winning the Special Book Award of China, another award given to Ismail on June 14. The award is the highest foreign-related award in the publishing industry. Du hailed him as an important participant and contributor in global cultural exchange.

Du motivated him to continue leveraging his profound understanding of Arab and Chinese history, cultures, and national characteristics to promote cultural exchange and mutual learning.

Du said that CICG has a long tradition of encouraging foreign experts to tell China's stories and as part of its efforts, it established the Orchid Awards last year to commend and reward non-Chinese nationals or organizations worldwide committed to cultural exchange and mutual learning between Chinese and other civilizations.

CICG Vice President Liu Dawei said that with a thorough understanding of Arab and Chinese cultures, and strong abilities in international communication, editing, writing, translation, copyediting, coordination, and administrative management, Ismail has made outstanding achievements in various aspects.

Ismail's dedication to international communication is a precious asset of CICG and he sets a good example for all CICG staff, Liu said.

Ismail expressed his appreciation for the support and encouragement from CICG and CICG Europe-Africa where he has been working over the years. He said that he feels proud to have built a bridge of mutual understanding and exchange between the Chinese and Arab peoples.

Ismail is currently deputy head of the Middle East branch of CICG Europe-Africa and deputy editor-in-chief of the Arabic edition of the China Today magazine. He began to work for CICG in 1992 as an editor and writer. He was awarded in 1999 the Chinese Government Friendship Award, the highest award given by China to honor outstanding foreign experts working in the country.