Nigerian and Chinese writers have expressed readiness to collaborate on literary projects to strengthen cultural ties and mutual understanding between both countries.
They stated this at the August edition of the Reading and Writers Dialogue of the Abuja chapter of the Association of Nigerian Authors on Sunday.
The dialogue, which was held at the Mamman Vatsa Writers Village, featured renowned Chinese novelist and poet, Zhu Shanpo, as guest writer for the month.
According to the literary scholars, Nigeria and China have rich cultural and literary heritage, with an array of writers whose works are celebrated across the world.
They said a partnership aimed at sharing literature and translating works and stories would play significant roles in promoting understanding and people-to-people relationships between the two nations.
The chairman of ANA Abuja, Chukwudi Eze, said the dialogue was a convergence of two great civilisations whose histories have been shaped by the penetrating power of storytelling, scholarship, and culture.
According to him, the theme of the event seeks to celebrate not only books and writers, but also the transformative influence of ideas in shaping nations, bridging cultures, and inspiring generations.
Mr Eze said the forum was a testament to the growing and mutually beneficial relationship between ANA Abuja and the Chinese embassy. According to him, the dialogue is an opportunity to learn from one another, celebrate our shared humanity, and deepen the bonds of friendship between Nigeria and China.
Mr Shanpo highlighted the deep cultural and literary heritage shared by China and Nigeria. According to him, contemporary literary voices in China and Nigeria need to work together and share ideas that will strengthen cultural ties between them.
“Since my early days, I anticipated and longed for my visit to Africa, especially to Nigeria, such a beautiful and great nation. Today, it gives me great pleasure and delight to participate in such a symposium together with my counterparts and authors in Nigeria,” he said.
Mr Shanpo lauded renowned Nigerian writers such as Wole Soyinka and Chinua Achebe, whose works have continued to inspire readers across the world.
Apart from sports, I am more interested in Nigerian literature, because I know that Nigerian literature has a very strong presence in the Western world.
“In 1986, the most famous author, Wole Soyinka, won the Nobel Literature Prize, which has a very great impact in China. Another great writer is Chinua Achebe, with his most famous work, Things Fall Apart, which has become most popular with writers and authors in China,” Mr Shanpo said.