Chinese artists stage traditional show in Burundi to boost cultural exchanges

Twenty-five Chinese artists touring Burundi since Tuesday performed a beautiful concert on Wednesday evening in the Burundian capital Bujumbura to boost cultural exchanges and mark the lunar new year in the Chinese calendar.

Officials attending the concert include Burundian Second Vice- President Gervais Rufyikiri, Chinese Ambassador to Burundi Yu Xuzhong and other diplomats in Burundi.

At times, Burundian musicians joined artists of the Chinese National Cultural Conservatory in singing Chinese songs or playing musical instruments.

At the launch of the concert, the Chinese ambassador said cultural exchanges are very important because they bring countries to deepen their mutual understanding and promote cooperation.

"China and African countries like Burundi should strengthen cultural cooperation because it is important," Ambassador Yu said.

Yu told the gathering he is glad to realize that the Burundian government, under the presidency of Pierre Nkurunziza, attaches more importance to culture and promised that China will continue to back Burundi in the promotion of the cultural sector.

"China will continue to do its best to back efforts deployed by the Burundian government to safeguard and strengthen the Burundian traditional culture," he said.

On his part, Burundian Second Vice-President Rufyikiri hailed the government of China for sending artists to perform shows in Burundi.

"This is a rare opportunity for us to promote cultural exchanges between our two countries (Burundi and China)," Rufyikiri said.

Rufyikiri took the opportunity to extend best wishes to Chinese nationals living in Burundi, China and all over the world for the lunar new year, or the Spring Festival, which falls on Feb. 3.

Chinese artists are also expected to exhibit their songs on Thursday and Friday in the capital Bujumbura.