China and Nigeria have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cultural cooperation and people-to-people relations through a cultural heritage salon held in Abuja.
The event, themed *“Maritime Silk Road Impressions: Immersive Salon of Intangible Cultural Heritage from Ancient Zayton Port,”* was hosted at the China Cultural Centre and drew diplomats, government officials, cultural practitioners, and enthusiasts from both countries.
Speaking at the event, Zhou Hongyou said tea has remained a significant cultural symbol that promotes friendship, dialogue, and mutual understanding among peoples of different regions.
According to him, Chinese tea traditions, which date back thousands of years, spread beyond Asia through the ancient Silk Road and gradually became a platform for cultural interaction and exchange among civilizations.
Zhou noted that China’s traditional tea-making practices gained international recognition after being inscribed on UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage in 2022.
He explained that the Abuja salon was organised to celebrate the enduring legacy of the Maritime Silk Road, which historically connected continents through trade, culture, and human interaction.
The diplomat also highlighted the historic Chinese city of Quanzhou, known in ancient times as Zayton, describing it as one of the major centres of maritime trade and cultural exchange during the height of the Silk Road era.
According to Zhou, the Silk Road promoted not only the exchange of goods such as silk, porcelain, and spices, but also values of cooperation, peaceful coexistence, inclusiveness, and mutual learning.
He added that those principles continue to shape modern relations between Nigeria and China, particularly under the Belt and Road Initiative.
Also speaking, Abdulkarim Ozi Ibrahim, represented by Envadu Yohanna Ayaka, commended the organisers for using culture as a bridge to deepen bilateral relations.
He observed that tea culture aligns closely with Nigerian traditions that emphasise hospitality, unity, and social interaction.
The permanent secretary further noted that the increasing popularity of tea consumption in Nigeria presents opportunities for investment in tourism, agro-processing, branding, and the wider creative economy.
According to him, the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy remains committed to supporting initiatives that encourage cultural exchange, artistic innovation, and international collaboration.
He stressed that programmes promoting intercultural dialogue are essential for building stronger diplomatic and economic partnerships between nations.
Participants at the event were treated to traditional Chinese cultural performances and exhibitions, including tea ceremonies, Guqin musical performances, incense rituals, and ceramic displays showcasing China’s artistic heritage.
Guests also took part in interactive sessions designed to expose attendees to various aspects of Chinese culture, including classical music traditions and artistic craftsmanship.
