By Yunus S. Saliu
The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in The Gambia and the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC) held an engaging discourse on Thursday evening in anticipation of the upcoming China-Gambia Bantaba – a cultural exchange forum between China and The Gambia.
The China-Gambia Bantaba is scheduled to take place on April 7, 2025, at the Chinese Embassy Main Hall in Bijilo.
The theme of the cultural exchange – Cultural Exchange Between China and The Gambia in the Perspective of the Global Civilization Initiative, was revealed during the meeting. The event is being organized by the Chinese Embassy in The Gambia.
This series of Bantaba forums aims to foster mutual understanding and friendship between the two nations through informal, interactive, and lively exchanges.
During the forum, Mr. Zhao Shangsen, Charge d’Affaires a.i. of the Chinese Embassy in The Gambia, shared that the visiting Chinese musical group, Strikeeast Percussion Ensemble, will focus on cultural exchange, particularly in the field of music. “Therefore, our embassy cordially invites you to join this discussion,” Zhao stated.
He also mentioned that a special performance would be held on Sunday, April 6, at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Bijilo, further promoting cultural collaboration.
Hassoum Ceesay, Director General of the NCAC, attended the forum with leaders from eight associations and expressed appreciation for the invitation extended to artistic groups to participate in the Bantaba. Ceesay commended the initiative, emphasizing that it would provide an excellent opportunity for cultural learning and exchange between the two countries.
He noted, “This is a great initiative that promotes culture, and while the groups are enthusiastic to be part of the program, it offers another platform for the two nations to learn from each other’s culture.”
About the China-Gambia Bantaba in Brief
In 2023, Chinese President Xi Jinping introduced the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), advocating for the respect of diverse civilizations. Xi stated, “We advocate the respect for the diversity of civilizations. Countries need to uphold the principles of equality, mutual learning, dialogue, and inclusiveness among civilizations. Let cultural exchanges transcend estrangement, mutual learning transcends clashes, and coexistence transcend feelings of superiority.
“We advocate the common values of humanity, peace, development, equity, justice, democracy and freedom are the common aspirations of all peoples. Countries need to keep and open mind in appreciating the perceptions of values by different civilizations and refrain from imposing their own values or models on others and from stoking ideological confrontation….”
The China-Gambia Bantaba aims to bring this vision to life, strengthening cultural bonds between the two nations while promoting shared values.
