Egypt’s Minister of Culture, Dr. Ahmed Fouad Hanou, took center stage as Guest of Honor at the second edition of the Golden Panda Awards, one of Asia’s premier cultural and media events, hosted in the city of Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China.
Representing Egypt at the prestigious biennial festival, Dr. Hanou emphasized the strength and depth of Egypt-China cultural relations, hailing them as “a unique model of civilizational dialogue and creative convergence across millennia.”
“Culture Is a Bridge, Not a Border”
In his keynote speech during the awards’ opening ceremony, Minister Hanou thanked the Chinese government and people for their warm hospitality and for organizing what he called “a distinguished platform for artistic and cultural diplomacy.”
He underscored the vital role of the Golden Panda Awards in fostering intercultural dialogue through cinema, television, and visual storytelling.
“Cultural dialogue is not a luxury—it is a human necessity,” said Hanou. “Art and creativity remain among the most powerful tools we have to build bridges of peace and mutual understanding in an increasingly polarized world.”
Egypt and China: 70 Years of Cultural Diplomacy
Looking ahead to 2026, when Egypt and China will mark 70 years of diplomatic relations, Dr. Hanou reflected on the deep civilizational connections between the two nations—symbolized by the Nile and the Yellow River.
Citing a well-known Chinese proverb—“If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together”—Hanou noted that the phrase captures the essence of the strategic partnership between Cairo and Beijing.
Expanding Cultural Exchange in Film, Animation, and Television
Dr. Hanou reiterated Egypt’s commitment to expanding its cultural engagement with China, particularly in cinema, drama, documentary filmmaking, and animation, which he described as “key instruments for shaping public awareness and promoting shared values.”
The Minister also emphasized the importance of cultural cooperation having a developmental and societal dimension that benefits future generations, calling for more joint initiatives that link cultural production with education, tourism, and community development.
About the Golden Panda Awards
First launched in September 2023, the Golden Panda Awards are held biennially in Chengdu, organized by the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles in cooperation with the Sichuan Provincial Government. The awards recognize outstanding achievements in film and television that promote cultural exchange and universal human values through visual storytelling.
This year’s edition brought together artists, filmmakers, and cultural leaders from around the world, reflecting China’s growing emphasis on cultural diplomacy as a cornerstone of its global engagement.
