"China Night" cultural event held in Kuwait to promote mutual understanding

The Chinese Embassy in Kuwait organized Friday evening "China Night" cultural activities to promote mutual understanding between the two countries.

The event, held on Green Island off the northern coast of the capital Kuwait City, attracted more than 800 people, including officials, foreign diplomats, overseas Chinese and local residents.

The event consisted of the Chinese traditional culture exhibition, photo show on the Chinese enterprises, the Chinese traditional food exhibition, and an art and music performance.

"We hold this event to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and 48th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Kuwait," Chinese Ambassador to Kuwait Li Minggang told Xinhua.

"China and Kuwait share good friendship, but it is a pity that some Kuwaitis haven't known much about our country," the ambassador said.

"One of my tasks is to organize such events to promote mutual understanding between the Chinese and Kuwaiti people and help our Kuwaiti friends to better know the Chinese culture," he added.

The photo exhibition, held on the sidelines of the event, focused on the operation of the Chinese companies in Kuwait.

The Chinese companies contribute to the implementation of many projects in Kuwait, Li noted.

"I have been here in Kuwait for a year and have visited more than 10 projects, in which some Chinese companies participate," Li said.

"Chinese engineers, companies and workers work side by side with Kuwaiti partners to improve the lives of the Kuwaitis," he stressed.

The Chinese companies' photo show attracted lots of local people, especially professional Kuwaitis who were interested in developing business with China.

At the show, representatives from the Chinese companies introduced to the audience their business and activities in Kuwait, including construction of infrastructure, financial business and oil-refinery building.

So far, there are more than 40 Chinese companies operating in Kuwait. By the end of 2018, the total number of projects undertaken by the Chinese companies in Kuwait is 120 with a total amount of 21.5 billion U.S. dollars, according to the embassy.

At the food exhibition, local people enjoyed the Chinese food and were surprised by the way of the cooking style of the Chinese food and the taste.

At the exhibition, Lamian (hand-pulled noodle) chef displayed how to make Lanzhou-style Lamian, which is very popular throughout western China.

The skill of noodle-pulling interested the audience and they waited in a long line to taste the noodle.

Many also enjoyed the Chinese tea, such as green tea and Jasmine tea.

Samira Ayed, a Kuwaiti girl, said that the activities allowed her to learn how to prepare Chinese tea and have its distinctive taste.

The art show, including traditional Chinese dance, chorus and instrumental performance, also won applause of the audience.

"Frankly speaking, I haven't visited China before, but I feel like that I am in China here and I'm eager to know more of the country," Adel Nassar al-Adwani, a famous blogger of Kuwait, told Xinhua.

"China is known as one of the largest countries in the world and has great cultural diversity," he said.

"We know Chinese products. However, we need to know more of the cultural history and diversities," he added.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)