Braga celebrated 45 years of Diplomatic Relations between Portugal and China

As part of the celebrations of 45 years of Diplomatic Relations between Portugal and China, the Mayor of Braga, Ricardo Rio, received today, in the Noble Hall of the Town Hall, the Chinese ambassador, Zhao Bentang. The visit preceded the commemorative concert that took place at the rectory of the University of Minho.

In addition to this anniversary, the ceremony also served to mark the 25th anniversary of Macau’s transition to the People’s Republic of China, as well as the third edition of “Hello, Chinese!”, an event commemorating the International Day of the Chinese Language, which also featured with the presence of the president of the Confúcio Institute at UMinho and also vice-rector for Culture and Territory, Joana Aguiar e Silva, among other guests.

Ricardo Rio highlighted that bilateral relations between Braga and China “are quite strong” and that the Municipality intends to “strengthen this economic and cultural connection between the two peoples”. The Braga mayor also recalled the twinning that Braga has with Shenyang, in Northeast China, in addition to several connections with other Chinese cities and the strong connection to Macau.

On the other hand, the Mayor of Braga also highlighted the work of the Confucius Institute of the University of Minho which, through a partnership with the Municipality, “enables hundreds of children to learn Mandarin in the municipality’s public schools”.

The traditional Chinese music show brought together teachers and students from the Music Departments of the University of Shanghai and the University of Minho, in a session that allowed interaction and sharing of musical cultures. This event marked the International Day of Chinese Culture and was promoted by the Chinese Embassy, ​​with the support of the Music Departments of the Universities of Shanghai and Minho and its Confucius Institute.