Year of cultural exchange starts

President Xi Jinping's visit to Egypt will mark the opening ceremony of the Egyptian-Chinese cultural year, which would include numerous activities in both countries such as art exhibitions, book fairs, theatrical performances and operas, according to Hoda Jadalla, press counselor of the Egyptian embassy.

Among the agreements expected to be signed during the trip are some dealing with heritage protection, as well as media and the film industry, she says.

"Movies and soap operas are like windows that offer people in both countries an opportunity to know each other more deeply and to know more about the habits and traditions and daily routine. The Chinese drama Jin Tailang's Happy Life won much applause when it was presented to the Egyptian audience," she says. "This kind of exchange is very important, because it gives the two peoples a chance to know each other better."