Chinese Film Festival opens in Tongatapu [1]
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Tuesday, April 9, 2013 - 12:23. Updated on Monday, September 9, 2013 - 18:40.
Queen Nanasipau'u, Lord Tu'ivakano and HE Mr Wang Donghua at opening of Chinese Film Festival at Fa'onelua Convention Centre on 5 April.
China's first Film Festival held in Nuku'alofa this week marks the 15th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Tonga and China. Queen Nanasipau'u on April 5 attended a special screening of a Chinese film 'Warm Spring' at the Fa'onelua Convention Centre and attended by Chinese Ambassador HE Mr Wang Donghua, Prime Minister Lord Tu'ivakano, Cabinet Ministers, diplomatic corps and parliamentarians.
The festival will include the screening of five Chinese feature films and documentaries at Queen Salote College Hall April 8-10 for students during their school break. The film festival concludes at Hihifo District Hall in Kolovai, on April 11-12.
The Prime Minister Lord Tu'ivakano said the film festival promoted a better understanding of the Chinese culture, which he hoped would contribute greatly to a closer relations between Tongan and Chinese communities. China had significantly contributed financial and technical assistance to Tonga's development in education, trade, infrastructure, commerce and agriculture, he said.
King Tupou VI as Minister for Foreign Affairs in 1998, formalized the establishment of diplomatic relations between Tonga and China on a visit to Beijing.
Opportunities
HE Mr Wang Donghua said the Chinese Film Festival was part of the cultural exchanges between China and Tonga this year, and part of the celebration of the 15th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
He said mutual understanding was required by mutual cooperation. China was now undergoing unprecedented changes, characterized by accelerated transformation of development patterns and adjustment of economic structures, presenting more opportunities for China and also the rest of the world, including Tonga.
"The more we know about each other, the more opportunities we can see and eventually make use of in enhancing our cooperation for common development," he said.
Foreign Affairs [6]