Cultural and humanitarian cooperation constitutes a substantial part of bilateral relations between Kazakhstan and China.

Departments concerned of both countries have drawn up a comprehensive set of measures to strengthen cultural cooperation, while also intensifying collaboration among scientific and social groups of the two nations.

Against this backdrop, the Cultural & Humanitarian Cooperation Subcommittee was established under the Kazakhstan-China Cooperation Committee in 2004.

Chinese Culture Day in Kazakhstan marked a major event in the relations of the two countries in 2006. Peking Opera performers from Northwest China's Gansu Province performed the play "Sparkling Tunes" in Astana and Almaty cities between September 18 and 28.

A China Pottery and Porcelain Exhibition themed on "Soul of Pottery Tunes" was also held during the same period.

Preparations are currently underway to establish the Kazakhstan Culture Center in China, with a view to promote Kazakh culture, history, tradition and social customs, expand cultural cooperation between the two countries, and demonstrate the beliefs and values of the Kazakh people.

The two countries have been intensifying friendly relations between their cities and regions, which led to the observation of Almaty Culture Day in Shanghai in 2004 and Shanghai Culture Day in Almaty City the following year, as well as the holding of a Xinjiang Uygur Culture Day in Almaty in 2004 and Almaty Culture Day in Xinjiang in 2006.

Umirzak Shukeyev, mayor of Astana, capital city of Kazakhstan, paid an official visit to Beijing in 2006, while Beijing Communist Party Secretary Liu Qi also visited Kazakhstan in the same year.

Mutual cultural and commemorative activities and continuous communication and exchange visits among art groups have played a unique role in enhancing cultural and humanitarian relations between the two countries.

In 2005, "Saltanat", the National Dance Troupe of Kazakhstan, presented a road show in Xi'an, capital of China's Shaanxi Province.

In December the same year, famous Kazakh violinist A.Musakhodzhayeva led the national chamber orchestra "Soloist Academy" to present shows in Beijing and Shanghai.

Artistes from both countries actively participate in international cultural exchanges and activities organized by the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the China-based Asia Arts Festival.

The smash-hit My Beautiful Native Land, a movie shot by Chinese artists from the Xinjiang Tianshan Film Studio, was screened in Almaty on March 18 and in Astana on March 28 and 29 last year.

The major event for 2007 is the Kazakhstan Culture Days in China.

From October 12 to 19, Beijing is scheduled to host the performances of "Ak Zhauyn", the National Chamber Orchestra of Kazakhstan, shows of Kazakhstan artists, picture shows and Kazakhstan films.

Kazakhstan artists will also attend theatrical performances celebrating the 60th anniversary for the establishment of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

Courtesy of the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in China

(China Daily 10/15/2007 page8)