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Traditional spices from Sichuan Province are displayed at the event for people to learn what contributes to this type of Chinese cuisine. /CGTN Photo
With an event featuring culinary delights and cultural exhibitions, Brazil celebrated in Rio de Janeiro on June 18 the 45th anniversary of the establishment of its diplomatic relations with China.
It was a feast for the senses. Chinese ribbon dancing, which dates back thousands of years, was one of the several art forms many Brazilians had never seen.
Likewise, Capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance and acrobatics, was unknown to the Chinese audiences.
The event was attended by Chinese and Brazilian business leaders and officials.
It was also an evening for the discerning palate. Served up by chefs from both countries, it included Brazilian dishes and the spicy cuisine of southwest China's Sichuan Province.
Local people perform the Afro-Brazilian martial art Capoeira to the audiences. /CGTN Photo
"I think it is a very good chance to know about each other by means of the cultural, the food and the drink, which are the most common connection between two countries to gather people. It is our bridge that can link two nations together," said Emma Xu, the general manager of Luzhou Laojiao Liquors.
It was the first time Brazil celebrated these historical bilateral ties. The idea was to make Brazilians and Chinese more familiar with each other's culture in the context of growing economic relations.
Sponsored by the Chinese Consulate General in Rio with the support of the city's cultural office, the event showed how far Sino-Brazilian trade relations have come since they were established in 1974.
"At that time (1974), trade was just starting, almost zero, but after 45 years, the total amount of our bilateral trade reached more than 100 billion U.S. dollars last year and we still have every reason to expect that our bilateral trade will be continuing to increase," said Li Yang, China's Consul General in Rio.
Since 2009, China has been Brazil's biggest trading partner and is looking to make even more investments in Rio and other parts of the country.
The anniversary celebrations came to an end with the city's most recognizable performance - the color, dancing and drumming show of Samba.