Ambassador Li Jiangning: music is the universal language

To celebrate its 67th independence celebrations the People's Republic of China welcomed the China National Opera and Dance Drama Theatre to Dominica.

The theatrical company displayed a spectacular performance at the Arawak House of Culture on October 2. The group was also scheduled to perform at the Dominica State College on October 3.

"As we welcome the visiting theatre from the People's Republic of China it brings to mind the very essence China represents a country with over 6000 years of history, a country which has contributed to the development of civilisation," said the President of the National Youth Council Jahisiah Benoit.

He said that for the past 60 years with the forming of the People's Republic of China the country has continue to extend its arm throughout the world.

Ambassador of the People's Republic of China His Excellency Li Jiangning said music is the universal language of human existence which transcends distances and differences in culture and history.

"The visit of the performing artists now is special because this time year in our two countries calendar for a celebration, a celebration for the founding of the People's Republic of China 67 years ago and the 38th anniversary of the Independence of Dominica," he said.

Meanwhile, Minister for Culture Justina Charles said that the gala performance represents another milestone in the cultural cooperation between the People's Republic of China and Dominica.

"Ever since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Commonwealth of Dominica and the People's Republic of China in 2004 efforts have been made by both governments to pursue cultural cooperation," she said.

She said that many Dominicans including musicians, craft persons and cultural workers have travelled to China on short term visits to learn from the Chinese experience.

"In strengthen the cultural bond between our two friendly countries Dominica has continued to hold the visits of dance troops and other artists and specialists from the People's Republic of China," she said.

The China National Opera and Dance Drama Theatre is affiliated to the Ministry of Culture of People's Republic of China. The theatre was founded in 1951, and is now the largest state level theatre with the longest history in China.