China, Brazil hold a cultural exchange event marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, Brasilia, capital of Brazil, November 20, 2024. /CMG
A cultural exchange event marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Brazil was held in Brasilia on Wednesday.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva sent a congratulatory letter. He underscored the significance of the event, which coincided with Chinese President Xi Jinping's participation in the 19th G20 Summit and his state visit to Brazil.
Lula highlighted the importance of the cultural exchange initiative in strengthening the longstanding cultural bridge between the two nations. He emphasized China's pivotal role as Brazil's key economic and trade partner and expressed his willingness to further deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership. He envisioned the event fostering broader cultural exchanges and enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of both nations, extending his best wishes for the event's success.
A poster of Chinese documentaries and TV programs to be broadcast in Brazil. /CMG
Geraldo Alckmin, vice president and minister of development, industry, trade and services of Brazil, in his speech, noted the significance of 2024 as the 50th anniversary of China-Brazil diplomatic ties. He reaffirmed Brazil's commitment to advancing the agreements reached by the two heads of state, emphasizing the importance of expanding cooperation in all fields, including cultural exchanges. He expressed Brazil's readiness to work with CMG and other Chinese media outlets to share stories of mutual benefit and development, contributing to the building of a China-Brazil community with a shared future.
Shen Haixiong, vice minister of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and president of CMG, praised the enduring partnership between China and Brazil, describing it as a model of cooperation and shared destiny between developing nations. Shen expressed CMG's dedication to deepening cultural exchange and fostering mutual understanding. He called the 50th anniversary both a milestone and a new starting point, and pledged to work with Brazilian partners to elevate the China-Brazil comprehensive strategic partnership to new heights, helping create a next "golden 50 years" for their relations.
A Brazilian youth orchestra performs at the cultural exchange event, Brasilia, capital of Brazil, November 20, 2024. /CMG
During President Xi's state visit to Brazil, CMG signed four cooperation agreements with Brazil. At the event, CMG also exchanged cooperation documents with the Rio de Janeiro International Film Festival, furthering cinematic cultural exchanges between the two nations.
An exhibition of various Chinese film and television programs was launched at the event, featuring outstanding Chinese film and television productions that highlight the richness of Chinese culture and the vitality of contemporary China.
Additionally, a curated program list celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties was unveiled, featuring two documentaries and a series of animated works.
The event also saw the release of a joint public opinion survey conducted by CMG and a Brazilian think tank. The survey revealed that 86.4 percent of respondents viewed China and Brazil as close partners, while 95.6 percent positively assessed China's contributions to the global economy.
The event concluded with a performance by a Brazilian youth orchestra, which had previously performed for Peng Liyuan, President Xi's wife, during the 2019 BRICS Summit in Brasilia. The orchestra played Brazilian songs, symbolizing the enduring and vibrant friendship between China and Brazil.