Literary exchanges serve as cultural bridge between Colombia, China: expert

A month after Chinese Premier Li Keqiang's visit to Colombia, experts said that ties between the two countries are at their peak with literature serving as an effective cultural bridge.

The visit was a clear signal of the Chinese government's willingness to strengthen bilateral ties of friendship and cooperation, said Diana Andrea Gomez, director of China studies at Colombia's National University.

Gomez described Li's visit as historic, marking the first time in 30 years that a Chinese premier has visited the South American country.

The premier's tour in the country made a difference in China-Colombia relations, since it went beyond the political realm to include a cultural component, she said. The itinerary featured a literary event attended by Li, Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos and Chinese Nobel Prize-winning author Mo Yan.

"The visit of ... Mo Yan, as well as five other top Chinese writers, was unprecedented," said Gomez. "We were also moved by their sensitivity and interest in Gabriel Garcias Marquez and other Colombian authors."

Those who attended the literary event noted that there are no cultural barriers in the field of literary exchange.

Premier Li's visit provided the two countries the opportunity "to sign 12 accords to develop several areas of cooperation," said Gomez.

In addition to developing infrastructure projects and network between business sectors, measures to promote people-to-people ties will also be important, she said.

Gomez praised efforts by China to increase the number of scholarships for Colombian students to study in China from 40 to 200. Endi