Flags and friendship: Brunei in preparation for Xi visit

In the capital city of Brunei, Awang Tikom Yapik was happy to see his handmade crafts displayed on Thursday at one of cultural events prior to Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to the country.

Timok said his household utensils are made using leaves of the bengkaung tree. His products are also made of paper, wood or other components.

Nearby, dozens of Brunei visitor views exhibits from China, including silk-making and calligraphy, and pictures about the two countries.

Guo Weimin, Chinese vice-minister of State Council Information Office, introduced the exhibits and pictures to Yang Berhormat Mejar Jeneral (B) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin, Brunei minister of culture, youth and sports. Their temporary interpreter happened to be Chinese Ambassador to Brunei Yang Jian.

Firdaus Rahman, president of Brunei-China Friendship Association, said the countries not only share a long history of exchanges, but also have a broader space for cooperation for the future. He said he believed with mutual efforts bilateral friendship and cooperation will "step onto another floor of the building".

Brunei actor and singer Wu Chun, who has fans in China, said he feels a little excited about the upcoming visit by the Chinese president. "It will further upgrade cultural exchange and the two countries' friendship," Wu said, "I'm really happy about it."

The events, held in Bandar Seri Begawan, include the launch ceremony of the Silk Road Cultures Exhibition, a China-Brunei Media Dialogue, and China-Brunei Friendly Exchange.

These events will help to better understand peoples in both countries and facilitate people-to-people exchanges, said Guo.

The capital is stepping up preparations for President Xi's visit with flags raised along a main avenue and a tent being erected at the royal palace, according to Omar, adding that the visit will be a continuation of friendship between the two nations.

Not far away, people from both countries are telling stories and histories of Chinese-Brunei exchanges, tracing the spread of kung fu in Brunei or the introduction of Brunei cuisine and singing and education to China.

These stories are expected to enrich people's personal feelings about each other and help strengthen traditional friendship and partnership, said Guo.

Ambassador Yang also noted that an increasing number of local students are coming to study in China as both countries speed up cultural programs. More Brunei professionals are also making trips to China.

More Chinese tourists are traveling to Brunei, enjoying its beautiful nature, rich Islamic culture and well preserved tradition.