THE Chinese Embassy in Tanzania has honoured winners of the China-Tanzania Friendship Photography and Video Competition in a ceremony aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and promoting cultural exchange.

The event, dubbed the ‘Award Ceremony for China-Tanzania Friendship Photo and Video Competition,’ was held in Dar es Salaam over the weekend to recognise and celebrate outstanding visual works that vividly depict the longstanding friendship and cultural connections between Tanzania and China.

Chen MingJian, Chinese ambassador to Tanzania, noted that the competition serves as a platform for showcasing the strong bonds between the two nations and the fruitful outcomes of their cooperation.

“This photo and video competition reflects not only our shared history but also the practical achievements and deep people-to-people exchanges between Tanzania and China,” she said.

She acknowledged the role of young participants in inspiring confidence in the future of bilateral relations, urging them to continue documenting and celebrating the evolving friendship.

Ambassador Chen emphasised the depth of the partnership, citing Tanzania’s export of high-quality agricultural products like cashew nuts and honey to China, as well as major infrastructure projects, including the Magufuli Bridge and Julius Nyerere Hydropower Station.

“China remains Tanzania’s largest trading partner, top investor, and primary project contractor. These accomplishments exemplify our shared commitment to mutual benefit and progress,” she added.

Joseph Kahama, Secretary General of the Tanzania-China Friendship Promotion Association, hailed the initiative as a unique way to celebrate and strengthen the bond between the two nations.

“This competition demonstrates the vital role photography and videography play in preserving history, building friendships, and enhancing cultural understanding,” he said.

He added: “The ceremony underscores the transformative role of art in diplomacy, serving as a creative platform to celebrate the enduring ties between Tanzania and China.”

Kahama further highlighted that photography and videography serve as distinctive tools for capturing memories and fostering cultural connections. 

The competition, he noted, emphasises the important role these visual mediums play not only in documenting history but also in strengthening friendships and promoting deeper cultural understanding between nations.

At the event, various winners were awarded prizes in recognition of their efforts to uphold the China-Tanzania friendship through impactful photos and videos that told compelling stories.

The awards celebrated creativity and storytelling, highlighting the deep bonds and shared values between the two nations. 

Through visual narratives, the winners showcased moments of cultural exchange, development projects, and personal connections that symbolise the enduring partnership between China and Tanzania.

The ceremony served as a platform to honour these storytellers while inspiring others to continue promoting unity and cooperation through art and media.