The Qatar-China 2016 Year of Culture will feature a range of activities and events in both countries, starting with special entertainment and performances at the Katara Drama Theatre on January 24.
“A programme of events and exhibitions in the second half of the year will be held in China, including a reprise of the successful photography exchange programme,” Chinese ambassador Li Chen said yesterday. 
“It is our firm belief that the Year will help to show Qatar is open to the world, demonstrate our appeal as a cultural destination, promote China in Qatar and improve intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding between the two historic cultures,” the envoy stressed.
He cited the strong economic ties and positive diplomatic relations between the two countries that date back to the 1980s.
The Qatar Years of Culture, under the guidance of Qatar Museums’ chairperson, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, are intended to use art and culture to foster improved mutual understanding and build bridges between cultures.
The Years of Culture are now in their fifth edition following previous successful partnerships with Qatar/Japan (2012); Qatar/UK (2013); Qatar/Brazil (2014) and most recently Qatar/Turkey last year.
This year, the celebration will highlight the close relations between Qatar and China through cultural partnerships between Qatari and Chinese organisations, institutions and individuals.
“While Qatar and China are very different places with very different cultures, we share in common the fact that we are civilisations striving to balance progress and heritage in the context of the modern world,” said Mohamed al-Othman, public and international relations director at Qatar Museums.
He noted that the two nations have common shared values based on respect for family, education, hospitality and cultural curiosity.