China-Egypt youth dialogue held to boost cultural exchange

A China-Egypt youth dialogue on cultural exchange was held in Luxor, Egypt, on Friday, aiming to deepen youth engagement between the two countries.

Du Zhanyuan, president of China International Communications Group (CICG), delivers a speech at a China-Egypt youth dialogue in Luxor, Egypt, on April 26, 2024. [Photo/CICG]

Du Zhanyuan, president of China International Communications Group (CICG), attended the event and delivered a speech. 

The enduring relationship between China and Egypt, deeply rooted in the millennia-old Silk Road legacy, continues to flourish, Du said. He highlighted the significance of the event being held ahead of the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

Du proposed three suggestions aimed at advancing cultural exchange and deepening youth engagement between the two countries. 

First, he encouraged Chinese and Egyptian youths to take responsibility for national rejuvenation and explore unique paths to modernization; second, he urged them to foster friendly exchange, and contribute to the establishment of a China-Egypt community with a shared future; third, he called upon them to collectively shape the future and participate in the construction of a more prosperous human society.

In his written address, Hamdi Mohamed Hussein, president of Luxor University, wrote that both Egypt and China boast rich history and cultural traditions. The Chinese Department and the Confucius Classroom at Luxor University now play pivotal roles in promoting cultural exchange between the two nations, he wrote. 

As this year marks the 10th anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, holding such an event in Luxor, a city with a millennia of history, provides an opportunity for constructive dialogue between these two civilizations, Hussein noted. This event will undoubtedly contribute to advancing bilateral relations and enriching the enduring friendship between Egypt and China, he added.

Participants conduct discussions at a China-Egypt youth dialogue in Luxor, Egypt, on April 26, 2024. [Photo/CICG]

During the discussion session, youth representatives from both countries engaged in conversations focusing on mutual learning between civilizations. 

They reached a consensus that the enduring friendship between China and Egypt is continuously propelled by the youth. The consensus emphasized that dialogue and collaboration among young people in governance, education, culture, and technology are of great importance for advancing bilateral relations, enhancing mutual understanding, and promoting cultural exchange between China and Egypt.

Visitors browse through Arabic-language books published by China International Communications Group (CICG) at a China-Egypt youth dialogue in Luxor, Egypt, on April 26, 2024. [Photo/CICG]

The event was co-organized by Foreign Languages Press and the Center for Europe and Africa under CICG, drawing more than 150 representatives from governments, educational institutions, think tanks, and media organizations.