China and Nigeria are exploring ways to deepen diplomatic relations between the two countries through cultural exchanges.

Yang Jianxing, director of China Cultural Centre in Nigeria (CCCN), stated this during a Chinese Pingtan Art Performance organised by the Chinese Embassy and the CCCN on Sunday in Abuja.

The Chinese cultural troupe is in Nigeria to promote cultural exchange between the two countries through Pingtan, a traditional Chinese performance style.

Mr Yang said that the culture was capable of connecting people and facilitating cultural exchange between Nigeria and China.

He described the occasion as a bridge of friendship and understanding between the two nations.

“Today, we gathered to enjoy the Wuxi Fellows’ Portrait of Water town, a Pingtan art performance.

“With a history of over 5,000 years of uninterrupted civilization, China boasts of more than 400 forms of traditional folk art of which Pingtan stands as a shining pearl.

“Originating in the water towns of Jiangnan during the Ming and Qing dynasties hundreds of years ago, Pingtan combines the narrative power of storytelling, the lyrical beauty of opera, and the rhythmic melody of music,’’ he said.

Mr Yang explained that the Wuxi Pingtan Troupe was in Abuja to showcase the rich diversity of Chinese culture to their Nigerian friends.

He noted that the foundation of state-to-state relations lies in people-to-people bonds, while the essence of people-to-people bonds lies in mutual understanding.

According to him, cultural exchanges and mutual learning are important ways to deepen the friendly feelings between the people of China and Nigeria, with profound cultural heritages.

Also speaking, Shen Jie, deputy director, Wuxi Pingtan Troupe, emphasised the importance of cultural performance in promoting cultural exchanges and cultural diplomacy.

He explained that Pingtan used the softer Wu dialect to recount the vicissitudes of life, evoking deep emotions through the pipa and sanxian.

“When the art of Pingtan blossoms on this vibrant soil, it will promote understanding and cultural exchange between civilisations, as well as foster heartfelt connections,” Shen said.

Raphael Oraelunu, a director in the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy (FMACCE), said Mr Pingtan would  bloom in Nigeria, foster heartfelt connections and shared values.

He added that the art performance with its elegant storytelling and musical cadence had similarities with African oral traditions.

Muhammad Bulama, director-general, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), represented by Msurshima Kighir, said FRCN was committed to promoting cultural understanding and unity through its flagship programme, “Diplomatic Ties.”

He announced that the corporation would soon commence teaching Mandarin Chinese on its Network Service.

“This is part of our commitment to promoting cultural understanding and unity through our programme, “Diplomatic Ties,” he said.

Earlier, Mohammed Suleiman, president, Chinese Alumni Association and Society of Nigerian Artists, stressed the economic and creative potential in cultural performances.

The highlight of the event was the performances by the troupe blending traditional Chinese melodies with universal themes of love, history, and human connection.

(NAN)