Beijing, Minister Tajani signs agreements at the Italy-China Cultural Forum

As part of the State visit of the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, in the People's Republic of China, the Vice President of the Council and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Antonio Tajani, inaugurated the works of the Third Plenary Meeting of the Italy-China Cultural Forum together with the Chinese Minister of Culture, Sun Yeli.

“Culture unites our people,” declared the Minister Tajani, “and it is in this spirit that our countries are called to play a fundamental role as bearers of peace, also through culture, in a world that increasingly needs dialogue and mutual understanding and not armed conflicts”.

At the end of the Forum, in the presence of President Mattarella and the President of the People's Republic of China, Xi Jinping, Minister Tajani has signed three chords:

1. Il Memorandum of Understanding between the Italian Ministry of University and Research and the Chinese Ministry of Education relating to the establishment of a periodic consultation mechanism;
2. Il Executive Program of Cultural Cooperation between the Italian Republic and the People's Republic of China
3. Il Memorandum of Understanding on the Translation of Classical Italian and Chinese Works between the MAECI and the Chinese National Administration of Press and Publication.

"The cultural dimension is fundamental in Italy-China relations. It is the essential basis for mutual understanding and for the consolidation of the ties that have united our peoples since ancient times" declared the Minister, recalling the strong symbolic importance of the figure of Marco Polo, of which the 700 years since death. “Each new cultural initiative represents another step in building bridges of dialogue,” added Tajani.

Opening the proceedings of the Cultural Forum, Minister Tajani had the opportunity to highlight the broad spectrum of themes in which the bilateral cultural dialogue is articulated. “From academic and linguistic exchanges to the increasingly intense collaboration between the museum, theatre and musical institutions of the two countries, the significant results of the Italian-Chinese cultural dialogue are made possible thanks to the daily commitment of all the cultural operators, public and private, who are here in Beijing today and to whom I extend my heartfelt thanks” he said Tajani, who finally expressed strong appreciation for "the innovative approach with which the Forum intends to enhance shared experiences and skills in the field of new digital technologies applied to the world of cinema and live entertainment. The Italian and Chinese cultural sectors join forces to create added value while looking to the future".