James Sule, permanent secretary, Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, has reiterated the federal government’s commitment to fostering the relationship between Nigeria and China.

Mr Sule, in his goodwill message to mark the Chinese New Year Temple Fair on Saturday in Abuja, said Nigeria and China have been in relationship for more than fifty years.

The permanent secretary, represented by his special adviser, Aisha Bello, pledged the ministry’s commitment to building the relationship.

Mr Sule also appreciated the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria’s unwavering support to the country and ministry.

He congratulated the government of the People’s Republic of China, the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and the entire Chinese community in Nigeria on the celebration of the 2024 Chinese Temple Fair.

“It is my great pleasure to join the government of the People’s Republic of China and the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and the entire community of China in Nigeria to celebrate the 2024 Chinese Temple Fair, also known as the spring festival.

“It is one of the extensively recognised festivals in Chinese culture,” he added.

Also, Olusegun Runsewe, president, World Crafts Council (African Region), said the cultural sector in Nigeria had benefited greatly from the Chinese human capital development programmes.

Mr Runsewe, who said that over the years, both countries had developed a strong cultural partnership that pays, noted that Nigeria is blessed with heritage sites comparable to that of the Chinese Temple Fair if developed.

He added that Nigerian historical and heritage sites could be upgraded to recreational, religious and commercial sites.

“It is important to point out that China shares lots of similarities with Nigeria; while China is the most populous country in Asia, Nigeria is also the most populated country in Africa.

“Both China and Nigeria are culturally diverse nations; China has 56 official ethnic groups while Nigeria has about 400 ethnic groups, each with its unique cultural peculiarities.

“China has leveraged its cultural strength to develop its economy, and Nigeria is harnessing its cultural potential to drive the process of her economic development.

“This is why we must strengthen our cultural ties with China so as to tap from their cultural expertise,” he said.

Mr Runsewe stressed that both countries had much to learn and benefit from each other in the area of cultural exchange.

In an opening remark, Cui Jianchun, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, said, “The 2024 New Year Temple Fair is the year of the Dragon, which symbolises a lot for both countries, China and Nigeria, going forward.”

(NAN)