Zhao Bin, Chinese Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) met with representatives of the DRC-China Friendship Association.
On January 23, Zhao Bin, the Chinese Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), was invited to meet with representatives of the DRC-China Friendship Association. Apollinaire Mbemba, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the DRC, François Lombé, Director-General of the Department of Asia and the Americas, and representatives of the association attended the meeting. Meno Kapela Tresor, an international alumnus from the DRC and doctoral graduate of the China Academy of Art, participated as Vice President of the DRC-China Friendship Association.
Zhao Bin conveyed his congratulations on the establishment of the association. He noted that this year marks the "China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges," and the founding of the association is therefore timely, which will inject new impetus into bilateral relations. Apollinaire Mbemba acknowledged the achievements in DRC-China relations, stating that the association should serve as a bridge to forge closer people-to-people bonds between the two nations. François Lombé provided an overview of the association, stressing that it aims to promote practical cooperation and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries across various fields.
As a core member of the association, the participation of Meno Kapela Tresor has drawn attention. Tresor was awarded the Chinese Government Scholarship in 2012 to pursue advanced studies at the China Academy of Art, where he progressed to earn his master's and doctoral degrees. He is a professor at the Académie des Beaux-Arts de Kinshasa and holds multiple academic positions. During his studies, he served as the President of the African International Student Association, and his graduation artwork and academic achievements were widely recognized. Upon returning to his home country, he has remained dedicated to advancing DRC exchanges in art education and is currently actively organizing projects such as joint exhibitions for artists from both nations.
Tresor's growth is a vivid example of the China Academy of Art's achievements in cultivating international students over nearly five decades. At the 2021 commencement ceremony, he stated, "Wherever we are, we always represent the China Academy of Art." Now, he stays true to his original aspirations through professional practice, taking actions to advance DRC-China civilization dialogue and deepen bilateral friendship.
International alumni of the China Academy of Art are becoming an important force in promoting China-foreign cooperation and mutual learning among civilizations. Alumni from the DRC, represented by figures like Tresor, have been advancing pragmatic cooperation between China and Africa in fields such as artistic creation, academic research, and talent cultivation through their artistic expertise and educational practices, thereby promoting civilization dialogue and mutual understanding. It is hoped that this people-to-people bond, extended through art education, will inject sustained momentum into the deepening and solidification of DRC-China relations and contribute positive cultural strength to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.
