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The China Cultural Center in the Moroccan capital of Rabat has been inaugurated. This is the 36th such facility around the world. Terry Wangari reports.
Located in downtown Raba, the center, covers nearly 2,500 square meters. It has an exhibition hall, a library, a multi-functional theater and classrooms for language teaching, painting, music, dance and so on.
CHEN DONGYUN CULTURAL COUNSELOR, CHINESE EMBASSY IN MOROCCO "The establishment of Rabat Chinese Cultural Center indicates the deepening of the friendship between the two countries on the basis of bilateral historical exchanges and cooperation. It is now an enhanced interaction showing a platform for mutual learning and mutual understanding. This is precisely the process of our implementation of the 'Belt and Road Initiative'. We will learn how to develop the friendly relationship between the two peoples, how to achieve a better exchange of culture. This is really an important step."
China's Vice Minister of Culture and Tourism and Moroccan Minister of Culture were among some 100 guests attended the opening ceremony.
S. E. M. ANDRE AZOULAY CULTURAL ADVISOR TO MOROCCAN KING "This is a historic day because the People's Republic of China has its own cultural house in Morocco. All Moroccans will know more about Chinese culture, history and all the elements that connect our two countries."
MOHAMMED SAJID MINISTER OF TOURISM, MOROCCO "This is a very good move that will greatly deepen the friendship between our two countries. This is also an important measure after the two countries signed the Memorandum of Understanding on the 'One Belt, One Road' initiative."
The event also featured a show of Chinese cultural heritage such as tea art, brocade embroidery and as well as traditional music performances from both countries.