By Raynald C Rivera

DOHA: The Qatar China 2016 Year of Culture launched with a spectacular show featuring folkdances songs and acrobatics by Chinese performers at a packed Katara Drama Theatre last night.

The performers which flew in from Hangzhou China introduced the audience into the Chinese culture with a variety of performances reflecting real Chinese elements which date back hundreds of years. The show which also displayed some Arab elements gave the audience a taste of what to expect in the year round celebration.

“Thanks to the great preparatory work by the two sides the China-Qatar 2016 Year of Culture opens today and will offer more than 30 exciting cultural events including arts shows exhibitions film and TV programme screening photography showcases book fairs sporting events and symposiums spanning the whole year” said Chinese Minister of Culture Luo Shugang.

He stressed the importance of the visit to China by the Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in November 2014 which paved the way for the Qatar and China Year of Culture which the Minister said “injected new momentum into the development of our bilateral relations.”

“China and Qatar have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for jointly implementing the Belt and Road initiative which will further strengthen our strategic partnership and underpin our concerted efforts to build the 21st century maritime Silk Road” he added.

The Minister of Culture Arts and Heritage H E Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari underscored the importance of cultural diplomacy in promoting understanding between peoples.

“ Therefore the launch of a Year of Culture particularly with China is a dialogue between cultures and civilizations and it is not reasonable that what the Arab youth know of China is limited to the Great Wall and Chinese products in Arab markets. It is necessary to restore the glory of communication between the two civilisations and spread mutual knowledge and understanding between the magnificent cultures of Qatar and China with their multiple identities” said Al Kuwari.

“The cultural dialogue between the State of Qatar and the People’s Republic of China reflects the common desire in establishing an Arab-Chinese dialogue and exploring the Chinese civilization which has much in common with the Arab civilization. The Qatar China 2016 Year of Culture seeks to raise the ceiling of cultural exchange and cultural communication in various areas not just economics because we believe we need to develop and exchange knowledge.”

“The Qatar China 2016 Year of Culture allows us to work together define cultural creativity in its various forms and to seta permanent mechanism to activate translation of books and publications from both languages due to the importance of strengthening knowledge of each other’s peoples. Also it allows us to take an interest in maintaining the historical and cultural heritage of both countries and to exchange experiences and expertise between them.”

As part of the Qatar China 2016 Year of Culture a range of activities and events have been planned for all to enjoy in both countries.

As part of this programme of cultural events two major exhibitions will open in Qatar in March namely “What About the Art? Contemporary Art from China”at the Al Riwaq Gallery and “Silks from the Silk Road – Chinese Silk Art” at the QM Gallery in Katara.

The Peninsula