A cultural delegation led by Chinese Vice Culture Minister Chang
Keren arrived in Dakar on Saturday evening for a three-day visit to
add the momentum for the China-Africa friendship and
cooperation.
Upon their arrival, Chang and his entourage were warmly welcomed
by Senegalese Culture Minister Mame Birame Diouf and other
officials.
Chang told his Senegalese hosts that he was very happy to visit
the West African country for the first time as the head of a
cultural delegation sent by the Chinese government.
He expressed confidence that the visit will intensify cultural
exchanges and deepen understanding between the two peoples.
The Chinese delegation will sign a cultural cooperation
agreement with Senegalese authorities in a bid to boost bilateral
exchanges in culture and arts, said She Mingyuan, the Chinese
Embassy cultural counselor in Dakar on Thursday.
Chinese Ambassador to Senegal Lu Shaye said the Chinese-funded
national grand theater will soon go into operation in the capital
Dakar.
China has taken steps to enhance cooperation with African
countries since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa
Cooperation in November 2006.
(Xinhua News December 10, 2007)