Civilisation - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

China inaugurates international day for dialogue among civilisations

Ismail Abdulaziz
Jun, Wed, 2025

Foreign

China inaugurates international day for dialogue among civilisations

156 total views today

By Sarafina Christopher

The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria has inaugurated the International Day of Dialogue Among Civilisations to foster global understanding and cooperation through mutual learning among developing countries.

Mr Zhang Yi, Charge d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, disclosed this in Abuja while highlighting the role of communication and mutual respect in building a harmonious world.

According to him, a resolution proposed by China was adopted at the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, designating June 10 as the International Day for Dialogue Among Civilisations.

This resolution emphasises that all achievements of civilisations are part of humanity’s shared heritage, and advocating respect for diverse civilisations.

It also highlights the significance of dialogue in fostering peace, development, well-being, and collective progress.

Zhang added that establishing this day reflects China’s commitment to the Global Civilisation Initiative introduced by President Xi Jinping.

He said that it also marks a significant contribution to global dialogue, peace, and development.

“As we face escalating global challenges and deficits in peace, development, security, and governance, this new International Day aligns with current international trends and addresses contemporary needs.

“This year also commemorates the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War and the founding of the United Nations.

“During this significant moment in history, the necessity for mutual dialogue among civilisations to enhance understanding and trust, promote people-to-people connections,

“It also encourages unity and cooperation, and achieving common development is increasingly crucial,” he said.

He said that the theme for this year’s event, “Dialogue & Zhi yin: Beyond Borders, Connecting Hearts: Dialogue with the World through Music,” emphasises music’s power as a universal language.

“In traditional Chinese culture, “Zhī yǐn” symbolises deep mutual understanding and true friendship, which can only be attained through sincere dialogue,” he said.

Zhang reiterated China’s willingness to partner with Nigeria to seize this opportunity for enhancing cooperation across culture, tourism, education, and the creative economy.

He emphasised the need for collaboration to build a high-level China-Nigeria community with a shared future.

Dr Mukhtar Yawale, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, noted that this inaugural event was a beacon of hope.

Yawale said that it reminded peoples that culture serves as the compass guiding a world yearning for connection.

“This dialogue transcends cultural boundaries, acting as the engine of our creative economy.

“The achievements we’ve made together such as the Abuja Light Rail project, the Lekki Free Trade Zone, and the increasing popularity of Nollywood films in China illustrate that these ventures are not just transactions but transformations.”

Yawale also said that Nigerian digital artists are collaborating with Shenzhen tech hubs, while fashion designers blend traditional Ankara styles with Shanghai’s innovative trends.

“This is the future we envision; a creative economy where dialogue transforms into tangible opportunities. When civilisations converse, they do not merely exchange ideas; they co-create their destinies,” he said.

He also reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening this covenant between civilisations.

“We are set to launch the ‘Nigeria-China Creative Corridor’, a platform for joint ventures in film, music, AI-driven art, and heritage preservation.

“Through scholarships, artist residencies, and co-production agreements, we aim to ensure that dialogue breeds enterprise, and enterprise elevates nations,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event attracted diplomats from Cuba, Argentina, Lebanon, Iraq and cultural ambassadors, and local leaders.

The highlight of the event were music and dance performances by Nigerian and Chinese artists.(NAN)(www.nannews.com.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Chinese VP advocates respect across civilisations to promote dialogue

Ismail Abdulaziz
May, Sat, 2025

Foreign

Chinese VP advocates respect across civilisations to promote dialogue

247 total views today

By Sarafina Christopher

The Vice-President of the People’s Republic of China, Han Zheng, has called for greater understanding and respect among different cultures and civilisations worldwide to foster peaceful relations.

The vice-president stated this on Friday during the opening ceremony of the 4th Dialogue on Exchanges and Mutual Learning Among Civilisations.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the three-day event is themed: ‘Carrying Forward the Spirit of the Silk Road and Gathering Momentum for the Implementation of the Global Civilisation Initiative’.

The event was hosted by the Chinese Association for International Understanding and the People’s Government of Gansu Province.

He emphasised the significance of respect among civilisations as the cornerstone for constructing a harmonious and collaborative world.

Zheng said, “It is solely through sincere dialogue, mutual education, and respect that humanity can effectively tackle the challenges of today, ranging from climate adjustments to worldwide health dilemmas.”

He highlighted the need to move beyond differences and promote a spirit of inclusiveness, emphasising that each civilisation has unique contributions to offer.

The Chinese VP implored nations to approach each other with receptivity and to search for common ground in the pursuit of shared prosperity.

Zheng lauded Dunhuang as a haven for diverse religions and cultures, a central point along the historic Silk Road.

He observed that the enduring principles of peace, collaboration, and reciprocal advantage depicted by the Silk Road served as a framework for intercultural interactions between the Eastern and Western worlds.

“To advance the spirit of these principles and implement the Global Civilisation Initiative, this dialogue is of great practical importance,” Zheng

He referenced President Xi Jinping’s vision from March 2023, which advocated respect for the diversity of world civilisations and the promotion of shared human values.

Additionally, Zheng introduced four fundamental notions to advance civilisational dialogue.

Firstly, he emphasised the need for mutual respect and recognition, asserting that each civilisation was unique and valuable.

Zheng encouraged inclusive communication to foster collaboration among various cultures.

Secondly, he discussed the importance of acknowledging both the commonalities and differences among civilisations, advocating for a united approach to tackle global challenges.

By emphasising shared human values, he called for collective efforts to overcome barriers and enrich civilisational exchanges.

He also stressed the importance of innovation and continuity in cultural development, stating that the evolution of civilisations relied on learning from history while embracing new ideas.

“The innovative transformation of traditional cultures is essential in our modernising world,” Zheng remarked.

Lastly, he called for genuine dialogue and cooperative engagement as crucial for enhancing mutual understanding and friendship among nations.

Zheng reiterated China’s commitment to promoting civilisational dialogue, mentioning the establishment of an international day dedicated to such discussions, which had earned global support.

NAN also reports that about 400 people, including political leaders, experts and scholars from multiple countries, heads of international and non-governmental organisations, as well as Chinese Government representatives, attended the ceremony.

Other international guests also delivered speeches at the event, highlighting that the three major global initiatives.

They included the Global Civilisation Initiative, proposed by Chinese Jinping, contribute to greater mutual understanding and exchanges among different civilisations.

The highlight of the event was the showcasing of cultural dances and exhibits to show the historical significance of Dunhuang. (NAN)(www.nannews.com.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Turkey culinary enriched by countless civilisations- Envoy

Ismail Abdulaziz
May, Sun, 2025

Foreign

Turkey culinary enriched by countless civilisations- Envoy

259 total views today

By Mark Longyen

Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, says the country has one of the world’s richest culinary traditions because Turkish foods have been enriched by traces of countless civilisations for centuries.

The envoy made this known during an interactive session with select diplomatic correspondents whom he hosted to a dinner on Saturday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was part of activities lined up to celebrate this year’s Turkish Cuisine Week in Türkiye and around the world.

The event is celebrated annually from May 21 to May 27 through various events across the world and in the country.

Poroy explained that centuries of peoples’ migration from different cultures and races to Turkey had culminated in Turkey becoming a melting pot for all aspects of life, including culinary traditions.

According to him, through the annual Turkish Cuisine Week, Turkey has continued to share its rich ‘gastronomic culture’ with the rest of the world.

He said that this year’s celebration aimed to build intercultural bridges with a focus on the backbone of Turkish cuisine’s “Classic Dishes.”

Commenting on the bilateral trade relations between Nigeria and Turkey, the ambassador disclosed that plan was underway to scale up the current trade volume to a target of 5 billion dollars.

He said the high number of travelers between the two countries with about 16 flights weekly required bolstering bilateral ties, and expanding visa centres to other big cities, apart from Abuja and Lagos.

NAN reports that Turkey’s Classic Dishes symbolise its cuisine’s traditional, healthy, and waste-free culinary heritage, which stand out as the shining gems of the cuisine, embodying natural rich flavors with unique preservation and cooking techniques.

Each dish reflects the traces of centuries-old traditions from Anatolia’s fertile soil and showcases the diversity of the Turkish cuisine and its universal value through their simplicity and natural flavors.

In Turkey, traditional dishes are far more than a collection of recipes, they are an intrinsic part of its culture, often bringing people together at the dinner table in a way that fosters connection and shared understanding.

They also offer a family-friendly start for those who want to get to know Turkish culture better as the basic recipes and products that shape the local cuisine of 81 provinces offer a colorful range of flavors in national celebrations.

The events at Turkey’s foreign missions reflect the warmth of the traditional Turkish hospitality, where different cultures come together at the tables and get to know each other without prejudice.

Dignitaries who attended the weeklong event, which began earlier in the week, included members of the Diplomatic Corps, comprising many foreign ambassadors to Nigeria and ECOWAS.

Also, some top officials of Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs were in attendance.

The business community, including Mr Uche Osoka, Co-chair, Nigeria-Turkey Business Council, and Mr Tevfik Demirel, Head of Independent Industrialists and Businessmen Association’s Nigeria branch, among others, also graced the event.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)