Six silvery characters Zhong Guo Wen Hua Zhong Xin (Cultural Center of China) appear before people's eyes when the buttons on the remoter controller were pressed simultaneously by Sun Jiazheng, Chinese Minister of Culture and Wali, Egyptian Deputy Premier and Chairperson of Sino-Egypt Friendship Association. The first Cultural Center of China in Arabic region was officially completed in Egypt, a country with ancient civilization, amidst lively Chinese melody and deafening firecrackers and fireworks.

Sun Jiazheng said at the inauguration ceremony that the establishment of the Center is a matter of importance in the development of Sino-Egyptian friendly relationship, and a step to cement the strategic cooperative partnership facing the 21st century built up by leaders of the two countries. He concluded that as a window to introduce the Chinese culture to Egypt, the Center is to play an important role in the cultural exchanges between the two countries.

Wali warmly congratulated on the completion of the Center. He said, China chose to locate in Egypt the first Cultural Center of China in Arabic region, which offers the Egyptian people a good opportunity to approach China. He hopes that the Center will launch more activities in cultural exchange to push forward steady development of the relationship between the two countries.

At the end of the ceremony, the center hosted an exhibition entitled Chinese Characters: from Ancient Script on Bones or Tortoise Shells to Computers. It is a show imbued with Chinese flavor, reflecting the process of the Chinese culture developed and constantly enriched from ancient times till today.      

To celebrate the 46th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Egypt, a Chinese Government Cultural Delegation led by Sun Jiazheng, Chinese Minister of Culture, paid a visit to Egypt. The delegation attended a series of activities launched in the Week of Chinese Culture, including inauguration of the Cultural Center. About 120 artists from the Central National Traditional Musical Instruments Orchestra, the Acrobatic Troupe of China and the Peking Opera Theater of China presented rich and colorful program for the Egyptian people.

The Cultural Center of China in Egypt occupies an area of 23.7 hectares. The multi-function hall in the main building is equipped with audio-video and lighting facilities. There are also special areas for Chinese language teaching and library. The Center will be open to the public free of charge. It will offer regular Chinese language training classes and cultural symposia. To further spread the Chinese culture in Egypt more training courses that embody traditional Chinese cultural and modern spirit such as classes in martial art, calligraphy and dancing will be given gradually.

Ding Wei, Director of International Liaison Bureau under the Chinese Cultural Ministry accompanying the delegation, said that China is to set up cultural centers in Paris, Seoul, Malta, etc. to introduce the Chinese culture to the world.