Photo album celebrates the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Brazil

The historical trajectory of Sino-Brazilian friendship was once again recalled in yet another event celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Brazil. This November 11, 2024, a special exhibition took place to launch the photo album with the title “Belo Brazil, Beautiful China” and the theme “Friendship beyond mountains and oceans: China and Brazil move forward together”.

Under the guidance of the Communication Department of the State Council of China, the Chinese Embassy in Brazil, the Brazilian Embassy in China, the Chinese Consulate General in Rio de Janeiro and the Brazilian Ministry of Culture, the initiative is the result of collaboration between the China International Communications Group and the Brazil-China Parliamentary Front of the Legislative Assembly of the state of Rio de Janeiro. With more than 100 selected images that show natural landscapes, historical culture, commercial exchanges and human ties between the two countries, the event enchanted the public and allowed everyone to have a preview of this work.

The Chinese ambassador to Brazil, Zhu Qingqiao, participated in formulating the preface for this photographic publication together with his colleague, the Brazilian ambassador to China, Marcos Galvão. In a speech, which was sent in text to be read during the book launch ceremony, the diplomat emphasized that China stands out as one of the main sources of investment in Brazil, generating 70 thousand direct jobs. He further said that cooperation in traditional sectors such as finance, energy, infrastructure, agriculture, telecommunications and manufacturing continues to deepen, while new areas of collaboration such as information technology, wind and solar energy, and electric vehicles emerge strongly, bringing a strong support for the modernization and sustainable development of both countries.

“The Sino-Brazilian Earth Resources Satellite (CBERS) program, initiated in the 1980s, is widely recognized as an exemplary model of South-South cooperation in high technology. China and Brazil work together to promote peace and defend justice. Based on broad interests and converging views on international and regional issues, the two countries have supported each other in the search for a more significant role in global affairs. Together, they have contributed to preserving world peace and stability, defending the legitimate rights of developing countries and promoting the democratization of international relations,” said the Chinese ambassador.

Regarding the recently released work, the Brazilian ambassador to China, Marcos Galvão, stated in the preface that this work celebrates the rich friendship between the two countries, celebrating a trajectory of relations between two peoples who, despite geographical, cultural and historical, find dialogue and partnership to build a closer future. “The Sino-Brazilian partnership not only strengthens our economies, but also contributes to building a more inclusive and balanced world.”

In the same vein, the editor-in-chief of the China International Communications Group, Gao Anming, made a point of remembering that China and Brazil have no geopolitical conflicts, no current interest disputes, that their economies are highly complementary, with interests deeply intertwined. and similar positions on important international issues.

“This is the most valuable strategic asset between China and Brazil, the most important common interest and the political basis for deepening trust and cooperation between the two nations. Each work in the album carries the deep affection and memories shared between the people of China and Brazil. These images show much more than beautiful landscapes and historic places, they show the desire of both people to seek a better life, as well as our conviction to promote cultural diversity and development together”, he said.

Representative Tia Ju, president of the Brazil-China Parliamentary Front and vice-president of the Legislative Assembly of the state of Rio de Janeiro, highlighted that cultural exchange plays an essential role in the process of bringing people together. “Through culture, we were able to strengthen mutual cooperation and trust between our countries, allowing Brazilians and Chinese to better understand the richness and beauty of their cultures.”

The vice-rector of development and innovation at PUC-Rio, Marcelo Gattass, described the album and the exhibition “Belo Brasil, Bela China” as not just a collection of images, but works that reveal the spirit of two vibrant nations, their similarities and differences, their customs, their cultural riches and nature, in addition to their festivities. “Each photo carries a story and allows us to reflect on the value of diplomacy built on respect and mutual collaboration. This exhibition transcends borders and brings us together, revealing a shared past and pointing to a future of new ties and exchanges. PUC-Rio is deeply interested and committed to exploring new partnerships with Chinese educational institutions, mainly in the technological-scientific field, as we know that both Brazil and China have a lot to share and learn together.”

According to Márcia Melchior, director of Orquestra Forte de Copacabana and president of the RioMont Art and Culture Association, thanks to the sponsorship of CNOOC Petroleum Brasil Ltda, the group of musicians with their respective instruments achieved recognition as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Rio de Janeiro. “This is proof of the power of music to bring cultures and hearts together. Our efforts demonstrate that our people are aligned with the values ​​of solidarity and international cooperation. We are certain that we are contributing to a future of harmony and cooperation.”

According to the president of the Sino-Brazilian Friendship Association, Henrique Nóbrega, culture expresses the values ​​of a society. For him, this photographic project recognizes the lasting friendship between the two countries and their commitment to bringing peace, prosperity and mutual understanding. “This album brings a powerful message of a partnership that is continually strengthening, based not only on commercial exchanges, but also on strategic alignment in areas such as technology, renewable energy and sustainable development. We saw this in practice in a water desalination project in Rio Grande do Norte, an initiative that significantly improved the lives of thousands of Brazilians. This shows that our friendship is rooted in concrete actions. Our commitment to sustainable growth and environmental preservation is a common goal. In an interconnected world, no country can prosper alone. The union between Brazil and China is a promise of shared prosperity and a future in which peace and solidarity will be the pillars of a more just and prosperous global community.”