Moroccans expect cooperation with China to benefit both sides, boost exchanges

Residents in Morocco expect that strengthened cooperation with China will yield mutual economic benefits and foster increased people-to-people exchanges, as Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed 10 partnership action plans to further develop China-Africa relations at the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

President Xi's keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 2024 FOCAC Summit resonated warmly with Morocco, receiving acclaim from local residents.

President of the Morocco-China Friendship and Exchange Association Mohamed Khalil lauded the pivotal decisions made during the summit, saying that he looks forward to further China-Morocco cooperation.

"Among the most significant decisions is the creation of a continental free area between China and Africa, alongside increased funding and the launch of numerous projects that will contribute to strengthening and improving the African infrastructure, from railways to ports to airports and others. So the relationship between China and Africa will grow stronger in the future and have a really positive impact on China and African countries," said Khalil.

"In his speech, Chinese President Xi Jinping said that China is ready to implement 30 projects aimed at connecting African infrastructure and establishing a Chinese-African land and sea network. Morocco can contribute to this project, because of its strategic geographical location near Europe and special ties with African countries. Morocco can be a bridge between China and Africa," Khalil continued.

Imane Dhaidah, a Moroccan student, emphasized the potential of robust and multifaceted economic growth through enhanced cooperation between China and Morocco, anticipating mutual benefits for both nations.

"My expectation for the cooperation between China and Morocco is how a promising, robust and multifaceted economic growth can benefit both countries," said Dhaidah.

Abdelhak Benkkeroum, a contractor, underscored the importance of mutual understanding through cultural exchanges, advocating for increased people-to-people interactions to foster deeper ties between the two nations.

"We already have today a strong presence of Chinese Confucius Institutes in Morocco, teaching Moroccans Chinese language. But I would hope to have more cooperation in that field. Chinese movies, Moroccans need to know about Chinese movies, Chinese arts, Chinese music and so forth. And the same, on the Chinese side, they need to know about our culture and industries. And this happens with people-to-people exchanges," said Benkkeroum.

Moroccans expect cooperation with China to benefit both sides, boost exchanges

China Media Group's (CMG's) Mid-Autumn Festival Gala, which is set to air on Tuesday night to celebrate the moon-themed traditional festival, will stage a warm scene of family reunion and artistic interpretation of major events of the year from the perspective of ordinary people.

The annual gala, also known as "Qiuwan" in Chinese, will spotlight key topics of interest for audiences at home and abroad, including the celebrations of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to China, and significant milestones such as the Chang'e-6 space missions and the Paris Olympics.

The gala was recorded in Shenyang City of northeast China's Liaoning Province, a 2,300-year-old city boasting three world cultural heritage sites and over 1,500 historical and cultural sites. The city is also one of the most well-known industrial cities in China.

Many performances of the gala will incorporate local elements such as Shenyang Guan's Shadow Puppetry, Errenzhuan (a blend of storytelling, singing and dancing between two performers) and 13 landmarks including the Shenyang Imperial Palace, the Liaoning Provincial Museum, the China Industrial Museum, and the Old North Market, to present the audience Shenyang's history and cultural charm, according to Yang Qifang, general planner of the Mid-Autumn Festival Gala.

"Many performances are on very serious topics, such as the return of People's Volunteer Army veterans and the rejuvenation of the old heavy industrial base. We will present them in a very tender way," Yang said, referring to return of remains of Chinese soldiers who fell in action in the 1950-1953 Korean War.

French pianist Richard Clayderman, Hungarian pianist Balazs Havasi and Kazakh singer Dimash Qudaibergen will also join the grand event to share the warm and romantic moments with global audience.

In addition, full moon pictures collected through global social media will also be displayed at the gala, allowing the audience to appreciate the beauty of the moonlight from all over the world.

"The Chinese people have a deep devotion to circle. When the moon becomes a full circle, families reunite, symbolizing a perfect conclusion after a year of anticipation and waiting," Yang said.

The Mid-Autumn Festival, celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth month on the Chinese lunar calendar, is a cherished occasion for family reunions in China. It falls on Tuesday this year.

CMG's 2024 Mid-Autumn Festival Gala to highlight family reunion, major events