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CAIRO, July 22, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Dancers perform dragon dance during the opening ceremony of the 1st Afro-Chinese Arts & Folklore Festival in Cairo, Egypt on July 21, 2016. The 1st Afro-Chinese Arts & Folklore Festival, from July 21 to July 26, kicked off on Thursday in Cairo.(Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe)
CAIRO, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Egypt launched on Thursday its first Afro-Chinese Arts & Folklore Festival in a bid to draw tourists back to the North-Arican country.
Some 18 African countries participated in the festival, organized by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism. During the opening ceremony held in Cairo's Mohammed Ali Palace, a number of bands from several African countries and China performed folkloric and musical shows.
Chinese ambassador to Egypt Song Aiguo told Xinhua that the event is good "because it not only introduces Chinese culture to Egypt, but also enhances bilateral understanding."
"It is a difficult time for Egypt's tourism, so the event is even more timely," he added.
The six-day event aims to strengthen ties between African countries and China, and will celebrate the cultural heritage of the participating countries.
The festival includes film screening, folkloric dance performance as well as cuisine from the different countries and handicrafts.
