Cartwheels across the decades

Reputed as the "flower" to signify friendly relationships between China and Sudan, the Sudan National Acrobatic Troupe is well-received both in its homeland and African countries as a whole.

"Each time the audience bursts into thunderous applause, I just know I am so lucky to choose the best job I ever had in my entire life," said 60-year-old Sudanese acrobat Ibrahim Abdalla Ali Abdalla, who also visited China last year. Since its birth, the Sudan National Acrobatic Troupe has performed on many important diplomatic occasions and become one of the most influential art troupes in the African continent.

The late Sudanese president Gaafar Muhammad Nimeiry considered the troupe the "Art Card" of Sudan.

The late president, in the name of the national government, also honored each Chinese acrobatics coach who participated in training work with a medal for the great contribution Chinese acrobats had made in the development of Sudanese culture.

"I really appreciate the Chinese government and related experts' efforts in bringing up professional acrobats for my country. Chinese acrobats from Wuhan have made great contributions to consolidating the friendship between China and Sudan," the late president once said.