Chinese artist Zhao Cong wins the International Exchange Contribution Award for cementing cultural bond between China and Egypt

Zhao Cong (right) Photo: Courtesy of the China National Traditional Orchestra

 
Chinese artist Zhao Cong won the International Exchange Contribution Award, offered by the Ministry of Culture of Egypt as contributing to the cultural exchange between both countries, coming amid the closing ceremony of the 10th International Festival for Drums and Traditional Arts in Cairo.
 
Secretary of the Outreach Department of the Egyptian Ministry of Culture, Negm Iman said in a statement that Chinese minister of Culture and Tourism Hu Heping led a delegation to visit Egypt not long ago. During the visit, the China-Egypt Ethnic Concert was successfully held in front of a pyramid, with impressive performances by Egyptian ethnic musicians and artists from the China National Traditional Orchestra. 
 
In particular, Zhao Cong, the head of the China National Traditional Orchestra, a pipa player, and Egyptian artists jointly performed well-known music, allowing the fusion of the Chinese pipa and the Arabic udqin to complement each other, using lingering music to depict a beautiful scene of mutual appreciation, showing the two ancient civilizations. 
 
The establishment of the Egyptian Ministry of Culture International Exchange Contribution Award aims to recognize foreign artists or cultural friendly individuals who have participated in Egypt's foreign cultural exchange and cooperation and made outstanding contributions. This shows the willingness and efforts of the Egyptian government to strengthen exchanges and mutual learning with different civilizations and cultures around the world, according to a media report.