Por Redaccion 
The Minister of Tourism and Andalusia Exterior, Arturo Bernal, highlighted the relations between the community and China, as well as the importance that visitors from this country are gaining in the community by exceeding 265,000 travelers last year and consolidating Andalusia as the third national destination.
This was emphasized by the Minister during his speech at the Celebration of the Chinese New Year in Seville, which featured parades and presentations on gastronomy, craftsmanship, dance, and culture. Also present at the event were the mayor of the city, José Luis Sanz, the Chinese ambassador to Spain, Yao Jing, the Secretary General of External Action and the European Union of the Junta de Andalucía, Enric Millo, and the president of the Chinese Association in Andalusia, Fu Zheng Hong.
Bernal pointed out that 2025, the year in which the 450th anniversary of the first attempt to establish diplomatic relations with Spain is commemorated, is crucial. «Just a few months ago, an Andalusian delegation, led by the president of the Junta, Juanma Moreno, visited China with the aim of closing commercial agreements,» he recalled. Thus, the Minister of Tourism reiterated on behalf of the Andalusian Government the gratitude and cordial treatment received during that very fruitful trip for both parties, in which Andalusia highlighted its status as a welcoming land. «We have welcomed with open arms the Chinese citizens who have wanted to find in our land an opportunity to thrive and build a life project,» he explained.
With more than 6,000 people from this Asian country living in Seville, Arturo Bernal appreciated the attachment and connection they maintain with their cultural roots, «but at the same time, your ability to connect and integrate into our land.» «You are part of Andalusia and that is how we feel and consider you. Thanks to you, we feel China and its culture much closer,» he pointed out.
«I want to thank the Chinese associations in Seville for their work in promoting coexistence between our two cultures,» he stressed, highlighting the work of the University of Seville to delve into the language, history, literature, or economy of the country.