Friendship event of poems and songs bonds neighboring nations

YANGON — Soft orchestral music filled Studio A of Myanmar Radio and Television in Yangon, Myanmar, as voices rose in both Chinese and Burmese verse, weaving together two literary traditions shaped by centuries of shared history.

On Wednesday morning, poetry and song became more than performances. They became a bridge between the two neighboring nations.

The classical poetry recitation and music concert, jointly organized by China's Guangxi Radio and Television and Myanmar Radio and Television under Myanmar's Ministry of Information, attracted 200 audience members from the Chinese and Burmese communities.

The event marked not only a celebration of literature and the arts but also the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Myanmar.

As the morning program unfolded, attendees listened attentively to the recitation of renowned literary works from both cultures. Together, the works demonstrated how poetry can transcend borders, even when expressed in different languages.

Adding a musical dimension to the literary exchange, Myanmar singers, accompanied by an orchestra, performed Chinese songs.

Saw Daniel, one of the performers, sang a Chinese song during the event.

Growing up watching Chinese movies, he described Chinese culture as familiar, adding that events like this help deepen that connection.

"I will continue participating in such friendship events. They help strengthen China-Myanmar relations, and I believe our relationship will grow stronger in the future," he said.

Singer La Woon May said she prepared throughout the night for her performance. "I was afraid of making mistakes," she said, noting that singing in Chinese requires careful pronunciation and focus.

Having studied the Chinese language since 2019, she explained that Chinese songs have become one of her favorite learning tools.

"I also love Chinese culture, especially the costumes and handicrafts. Through events like this, I feel closer to the culture and understand it more," she said.

Speaking at the event, U Ye Naing, director-general of Myanmar Radio and Television, said Myanmar and China are neighboring countries connected geographically, historically, and culturally.

He also said that literature and reading play a vital role in strengthening friendship and mutual understanding, recalling the long history of literary and poetry exchanges between the two countries.

Continued cooperation in literature, arts and cultural exchange would help deepen the friendship between the peoples of Myanmar and China, he said.

Xinhua