The inaugural Liangzhu Forum, a significant cultural exchange event initiated at the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, was recently held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. Chinese President Xi Jinping, in a congratulatory letter delivered by Li Shulei, member of the Political Bureau and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, emphasized the importance of mutual learning and understanding among civilizations.
Xi’s letter highlighted the need to promote equality, dialogue, and mutual accommodation between different cultures. This approach is seen as key to achieving harmonious coexistence and enhancing international friendship and understanding. The forum, which attracted over 300 guests from countries including Qatar, Brazil, Greece, and others, served as a platform to discuss and embrace these ideals.
Tan Huism, the executive director of the Qatar National Library and a guest speaker at the forum, praised the open and inclusive nature of the library as a cultural hub. The Qatar National Library has engaged in significant collaborative efforts with the National Library of China, including a digital library project. This collaboration underlines the broader cultural exchange and mutual understanding being fostered between China and Qatar.
The forum offered a stage for experts to delve into various aspects of cultural civilization. Among them was Styliani Chrysoulaki, General Director of the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion in Greece. She discussed the importance of enhancing the global outreach of museums. Chrysoulaki also revealed an upcoming major exhibition on Greek culture in collaboration with China’s Palace Museum, set for 2025, highlighting the deepening ties between the two ancient civilizations.
Further illustrating the forum’s impact, Ylljet Alicka, Director of International Relations of Jazz Albania, announced a planned “China meets Albania” jazz event for 2025. This event aligns with the spirit of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, promoting cross-cultural dialogue and exchange.
Francisco Lacerda Brasileiro, mayor of the Municipality of Foz do Iguaçu in Brazil, spoke about the influence of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, not only in infrastructure development but also in cultural and social spheres. He highlighted the relevance of the ancient Liangzhu culture, which boasts the world’s earliest water management system, in inspiring modern urban planning.
The Forum concluded with a joint statement by Sun Yeli, secretary of the Leading Party Members’ Group of the Ministry of China’s Culture and Tourism, and Hossam Zaki, assistant secretary-general of the Arab League. This statement emphasized the commitment to furthering the Global Civilization Initiative.
Additionally, the forum included sub-symposiums that focused on the perspectives of worldwide sinologists and artists on Chinese civilization, further expanding the scope of cultural exchange and understanding.
Co-launched by China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the People’s Government of Zhejiang Province, the Liangzhu Forum marked a significant step in promoting global cultural cooperation and mutual learning, embodying the spirit of shared progress and understanding that lies at the heart of the Belt and Road Initiative.
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