[PIO] The Speaker of the House of Representatives inaugurated an exhibition of Chinese art at the University of Cyprus

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Anita Demetriou performed a ceremony today, in the presence of the Chinese Vice-Minister of Public Relations Mr. Zhang Jianchun, inaugurated an exhibition of a collection of ancient Chinese paintings, organized by the Embassy of China in Cyprus, in cooperation with the University of Cyprus.

The following is the President's greeting in full:

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and gentlemen,

I feel particularly honoured for the kind invitation extended to me by the Embassy of China to Cyprus, to open this special exhibition of "A comprehensive collection of ancient Chinese paintings", at the presence of the Vice Minister of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, Mr. Zhang Jianchun. It is a great privilege for me to be here with you, as we witness the nexus of history, art and diplomacy unfolding before us in a tapestry of creativity.

This exhibition is curated as part of Nicosia’s book festival, which this year pays a tribute to China as the Country of Honour, showcasing China’s rich tradition and delving into the theme of harmonious coexistence between civilizations, emphasising humanity and drawing inspiration from nature. It assembles an impressive collection of more than 12,000 works of Chinese paintings from all historical periods.

The ties between Cyprus and China extend beyond the political and economic realms. They are founded on mutual appreciation and admiration for each other’s history and cultural heritage. Art, in all its forms, possesses the unique ability to celebrate the diversity of our world, promote understanding and foster connections between nations and peoples, which transcend geographical borders. Art is the carrier of a strong message, that despite our differences, we are all connected by our shared hopes and aspirations for a brighter world.

Especially today, in an increasingly unstable and unpredictable world, the emphasis on cultural diplomacy and collaboration becomes even more pronounced. Our world is facing a multitude of challenges, ranging from armed conflicts to climate change and natural disasters and from pandemics to economic disparities that persist within and between nations. In this context, the added value of cultural diplomacy comes to the fore. By appreciating and learning from each other's cultures, we can forge mutual understanding and respect, these being essential in our efforts to achieve global peace and stability. In fact, cultural diplomacy is a valuable tool to shield and further consolidate multilateralism, that we must make best use of and further promote.

I would like to express, once again, my appreciation to the Embassy of China in Cyprus and H.E. the Ambassador Liu Yantao for the kind invitation, as well as my sincere congratulations to all those who have worked hard to make this possible and to offer us this great experience!

As we immerse ourselves in the artworks on display today, let us reflect upon the long-established relationships between our countries and peoples. May this exhibition be an inspiration to all of us, to continue nurturing cultural connections that will unite us towards a brighter future.

Thank you.

Let’s now unveil this exceptional collection and embark on a journey in China’s history.

(Το κείμενο ως απεστάλη από τη Βουλή των Αντιπροσώπων)
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