Guests attend a press conference to announce Canada' participation in Meet in Beijing arts festival as guest country of honour on April 14 in Ottawa. (PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

Canada will be featured as the guest country of honour in the 16th Meet in Beijing arts festival this year, John McCallum, Canada's minister of immigration, refugees and citizenship, announced.

"We are honoured that Canada has been selected as the guest country for the Meet in Beijing arts festival. Exchanges such as these promote and strengthen the strong relationship between Canada and China and benefit our diverse arts and cultural sector globally," said McCallum at a press event in Ottawa on April 14.

Launched in 2000, the annual festival showcases a diverse range of international and Chinese arts and cultural programs staged at venues across Beijing. Kicking off on April 25 and running through May 21, this year's festival will feature a variety of Canadian performers, from choirs to pop artists, dancers and comedians.

"As bridge-builders between nations, artists and the contributions they make are essential to the smarter, more caring world to which we aspire," Governor General David Johnston said.

"Canadian artists' performances featuring Canada's diverse cultures will add lustre to the festival and contribute to people-to-people and cultural exchanges between the two countries and to better understanding and friendship between the two peoples," said Luo Zhaohui, Chinese Ambassador to Canada, who attended the press conference.

Can4Culture coordinated Canada's involvement in the 2016 Meet in Beijing festival.

"This honour spotlights Canada on the world stage and serves to strengthen ties through arts and culture," said Nelly Ng, chairwoman of Can4Culture. "The power of collaboration from all parties involved in this project has transcended national boundaries. As we nurture connections, we promote understanding, and in the process, cement relations between the people of Canada and China."

Featured Canadian performers at the 2016 Meet in Beijing Arts Festival include Buzz Brass/Buzz Cuivres, Chan Hong Goh and the Goh Ballet, comedian Dashan (aka Mark Roswell), Ensemble Caprice, soprano Katherine Whyte, award-winning pianist and vocalist Laila Biali and the Ottawa Bach Choir.

In addition, a photo exhibition on Canada organized with Canadian Geographic will be on display at the festival.

Artists who have performed at the festival in the past include José Carreras, Placido Domingo, Renee Fleming, Valery Gergiev with the Kirov Symphony Orchestra, Sarah Brightman, the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra, the Bolshoi Ballet, River Dance, the Paul Taylor Dance Company, the British Royal Shakespeare Company along with some of Asia's biggest pop stars. Australia, Russia, Mexico, Cuba and France are among previously featured countries.

renali@chinadailyusa.com