The “Greece-China 50 years of Diplomatic Relations Anniversary Concert” co-sponsored by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of The People’s Republic of China and the Embassy of Greece was held in Beijing. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece Nikos Dendias delivered a video speech, and Ambassador of Greece in Beijing Georgios Iliopoulos attended and delivered a welcome speech, Minister of Culture and Tourism of China Hu Heping attended the concert and delivered a speech.
As two ancient countries and the origins of western and eastern civilizations, Greece and China were and are inextricably linked from culture to transportation arteries. On June 5, 1972, Greece and China formally established diplomatic relations. In recent years, the commercial and cultural exchanges between the two countries have become even more frequent. Even the outbreak of the epidemic has not slowed down the pace of this process.
Mr. Dendias said that Greece, as a member of the EU, has always advocated strengthening EU-China cooperation. Greece and China have promoted cooperation on the basis of mutual respect and mutual understanding, established a comprehensive strategic partnership, and investment and trade cooperation have developed rapidly. Piraeus Port has become a model of economic cooperation between the two countries. In recent years, the two countries have carried out sound cooperation in the cultural field. Using the Forum of Ancient Civilizations as a platform, they have joined hands to protect world cultural heritage, combat illegal trafficking in cultural relics, and jointly hold the Greek-Chinese Year of Culture and Tourism. In the future, Greece will continue to work hand in hand with China to set Greece-China relations as a model for relations between countries.
Mr. Iliopoulos said that since Greece and China established diplomatic relations on June 5, 1972, they have steadily expanded cooperation in various fields such as politics, diplomacy, investment, trade, and education, among which the cooperation in the cultural field has achieved remarkable results and highlights. Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Greece and China in the form of concerts and the “Cultural and Tourism Year”, showing the history and civilization of the two countries to the world will further deepen the dialogue and friendship between the two peoples.
Mr. Hu Heping said that both China and Greece are ancient civilizations with profound traditional friendship. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations 50 years ago, the two sides have adhered to the historical vision and followed the trend of the times. They have understood, supported and helped each other on issues concerning each other’s core interests and major concerns. The Olympic spirit has set an example for the international community to learn from each other among civilizations. It is hoped that the two countries will take the opportunity of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the holding of the Year of Culture and Tourism to promote cultural and tourism exchanges and cooperation to a new level, open up a new situation, and make a great new contribution to promote the deepening and solid comprehensive strategic partnership and build a community with a shared future for mankind.
The concert was hosted by the National Center for the Performing Arts of China, and the China National Traditional Orchestra and the Greek Radio Symphony Orchestra jointly performed. The China National Traditional Orchestra performed live works such as “Beijing Story”, “Autumn River Moon Night”, “Silk Road” and Greek music “Farewell to Sunday” and “Greek Dance”. The Greek Radio Symphony Orchestra played excerpts from “The Living People of Prometheus” and “Love and Death-Four Songs for Melto” and the Chinese music “Jasmine Flower” and “Dance of the Yao Nationality” in video form. The concert will be broadcast on both Chinese and Greek online platforms in early December.
Photo source: 文旅之声
