Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
Baku, December 21 /Xinhua/ — The finals of Azerbaijan's first Chinese song karaoke competition took place in Baku on Saturday. Twenty performers from China, Azerbaijan, and Russia, selected from more than 40 applicants, became finalists.
The competition, designed to promote cultural exchanges and build bridges of friendship, was jointly organized by the Association of Chinese Emigrants and Ethnic Chinese in Azerbaijan and the Confucius Institute at the Azerbaijan University of Languages (AUL).
Chinese Ambassador to Azerbaijan Lu Mei emphasized that music is a universal language of peace and a thread that connects people's hearts. She encouraged the contestants to "find friends through song" and become "singing ambassadors" of friendship. The diplomat expressed hope that young talents would be able to use music to experience the depth of Chinese culture and contribute to the deepening of friendship between China and Azerbaijan.
The winners were awarded one first prize, three second prizes, and six third prizes. One of the second prize winners was 27-year-old Rakhman Garayev, who performed the song "State." R. Garayev works as a choir member at the M. F. Akhundov Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater. He has been studying Chinese at the Confucius Institute at Baku State University for five years.
"This competition helps connect language learners with Chinese culture and traditions. After I finish studying Chinese, I want to go to Beijing. I think Beijing is a very technologically advanced city, and I'm very interested in exploring it," R. Garayev told Xinhua.
AUL Vice-Rector Shafag Shakhmamedova noted the university's successful Confucius Institute, which actively supports teaching and organizes events not only within the university but also beyond. She noted that the current competition, which promotes Chinese culture, is a shining example of this work.
Li Jihua, the Chinese director of AUL's Confucius Institute, told Xinhua that over 500 people are currently studying Chinese through the institute's various programs. She emphasized that Chinese songs help them better understand Chinese culture.
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