Egypt and China are bound by civilizations that stretch back thousands of years, each with a profound cultural legacy that continues to shape the world today. This deep historical connection has served as a bridge between our two nations, fostering mutual respect and understanding among our peoples, institutions, and leaders. This year, we proudly celebrated 69 years of enduring friendship and fruitful cooperation built on trust, vision and shared values.

It was a great honor to be invited by the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs (CPIFA) to participate in the "SCO Youth Road to Common Prosperity China Tour", organized under the auspices of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Returning to China a decade after my first visit, when I explored the iconic cities of Beijing, Xi'an, the capital of China's Shaanxi province and Shanghai, was both nostalgic and exciting. This time, my journey led me to the dynamic and picturesque East China's Zhejiang province.

As our plane descended into Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. I was struck by the harmony of nature and urban life — lush forests, serene lakes, winding rivers and artfully designed green spaces unfolding beneath us. Even the drive to our hotel was a visual delight, with tree-lined avenues, elegant bridges, and eco-conscious architecture weaving a tranquil yet modern landscape.

Our program began with a visit to Dahua Technology, where we witnessed the cutting edge of innovation — clean energy systems, smart home technology, electric vehicles and AI-powered infrastructure designed to boost efficiency and sustainability across industries.

Equally inspiring was our visit to Alibaba's global headquarters. There, we delved into the story of one of China's most transformative companies and its role in revolutionizing global e-commerce, reshaping markets and consumer behavior on an unprecedented scale.

A key highlight of the tour was a meeting with the governor of Zhejiang province. We exchanged ideas on how to benefit from China's remarkable experiences in poverty reduction, ecological preservation, and the vision of common prosperity — a concept that has reshaped development planning within China and holds great promise for the Global South.

This vision came to life in our visit to Yucun village in Anji county. Nestled among mountains and rivers, the village is a living example of how China has integrated environmental stewardship with inclusive development. It stood as a powerful reminder that prosperity need not come at the expense of nature or community.

Our journey also included a cultural immersion at the Zhejiang Art Museum, where we explored the Black Myth: Wukong exhibition — an artistic celebration of the widely anticipated 2024 Chinese video game inspired by the classic Journey to the West. The attention to detail and artistic excellence behind the game's visual storytelling was truly impressive and underscored the rising global influence of Chinese digital art.

One of the most personal and moving moments of the trip came through engaging with local musicians and artists. It rekindled my desire to collaborate with Chinese musicians, and I am eager to explore creative projects that blend our musical heritages and promote cultural exchange.

Indeed, music remains a powerful thread that binds our civilizations. Both Egypt and China treasure music as an expression of the soul, woven into rituals, celebrations, and folklore. Whether through the resonant notes of the Egyptian oud or the refined melodies of the Chinese guqin, a seven-stringed zither without bridges, our musical traditions echo shared values: storytelling, harmony, and identity. Today, these ancient legacies continue to evolve, giving birth to new fusions that inspire across borders.

The author is an Egyptian independent music producer. The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

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