Baghdad became a cultural hub on Thursday as it hosted the second edition of the Iraqi-Chinese Short Video Competition, an event aimed at strengthening ties between the two nations under the slogan, “Working Hand in Hand to Innovate the Future Together.”
Organized in collaboration with PetroChina Middle East, the Chinese-Arabic Channel, and the Iraqi-Chinese Companies Chamber of Commerce, the competition underscored the growing cultural partnership between Iraq and China.
A Global Platform for Cultural Exchange
The awards ceremony was held simultaneously across Baghdad, Basra, Dubai, and Beijing via video conferencing, bringing together over 100 distinguished guests. Attendees included representatives from the embassies of Iraq and China, Salahaddine University, the Iraqi-Chinese Friendship Association, and the Baghdad Cultural Council. Prominent corporate entities such as PetroChina and its Middle East branch also took part, alongside several Iraqi project companies and Chinese business representatives.
Diplomatic Messages of Unity
In his opening remarks, Cui Wei, the Chinese Ambassador to Iraq, praised the competition’s role in fostering mutual understanding and cultural dialogue. Wasan Al-Sudani, First Secretary of the Iraqi Embassy in China, echoed these sentiments, commending the participants for their creativity and vision.
Chen Xinrong, General Manager of PetroChina Middle East and President of the Iraqi-Chinese Companies Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the company’s dedication to cultural exchange and local development. “As a multinational energy and chemical corporation, PetroChina plays a vital role in Iraq’s energy sector. Our commitment to mutual benefit and shared growth underpins our efforts to deepen cultural ties and contribute to local economic and social progress,” he said.
Celebrating Excellence in Storytelling
The competition’s jury announced the winners, showcasing exceptional talent:
First Prize: “Friendship Beyond Borders” by Haider, an employee of PetroChina’s Halfaya project.
“My Five-Star Chinese Card” by Shirin, an Iraqi student who highlighted her personal journey with Chinese culture.
Special Excellence Award: “Telling the World About Modern China”, created by Abbas Al-Kadhimi, a linguist and translation expert. His video narrated China’s modernization journey in Arabic, offering a deeper understanding of the country’s development to Arab audiences.
Al-Kadhimi, who previously received China’s prestigious “Friendship Award,” described his work as a bridge between the two cultures. “Translating Chinese literature for Arab readers is one of my greatest joys. It’s a responsibility to share China’s stories with the Arab world,” he remarked.
Building Academic and Cultural Bridges
During the ceremony, Dr. Saman Omar, Dean of the College of Languages at Salahaddin University, highlighted the enthusiasm of young Iraqi students toward cultural exchange programs, especially with the university’s inclusion of a Chinese language department.
Mohammed Ibrahim, Editor-in-Chief of the Iraqi Olympic Committee Media, expressed optimism about the event’s potential to enhance cultural collaboration, while Sadiq Jassim Mohammed, President of the Baghdad Cultural Council, congratulated the winners, stressing that their efforts have helped solidify the bonds between Iraq and China.
A Testament to Strategic Partnership
The competition aligns with the historic friendship and strategic partnership between Iraq and China, fostering collaboration in culture, economics, and technology. PetroChina’s efforts in spearheading such initiatives highlight the vital role of corporations in driving cultural diplomacy and mutual understanding.
The second edition of the Iraqi-Chinese Short Video Competition not only celebrated creative storytelling but also underscored the enduring power of cultural exchange as a foundation for future cooperation.
