On June 25, in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the China-Italy comprehensive strategic partnership and to foster friendship, the renowned Italian singer Malika Ayane performed at a 500-day countdown event for the 15th National Games. The concert took place at the Guangzhou Opera House, where she sang in support of the upcoming games and cheered for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. [Photo by Parker Zheng/China Daily]

Italian singer Malika Ayane's brilliant performance and moving voice won applause from the audience at the Guangzhou Opera House in the Guangdong provincial capital on Tuesday night.

The concert was organized to celebrate the 20th anniversary of China's comprehensive strategic partnership with Italy and enhance the friendship between the two nations.

It was also part of the 500-day countdown of celebratory events leading up to the 15th National Games, which will take place in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao from Nov 9 to 21 next year.

Zhu Xiaoyi, deputy director of the Executive Committee of Guangzhou Competition Area for the 15th National Games, awarded Ayane the title of "Guangzhou City Image Promotion Ambassador" during her concert. Zhu is also deputy director-general of the Guangzhou city government.

Ayane said she was happy to host a concert in Guangzhou to bless the city and the 15th National Games, and she hopes to come again to sing for the people of the southern Chinese metropolis.

The 15th National Games is China's largest, highest-level, and most influential sports event. Hong Kong and Macao will host it for the first time.

The three regions will also host the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games.