Beijing – Italian Minister Tajani signs agreements at the Italy-China Cultural Forum: “Culture brings our peoples together”

Today, on the occasion of the State visit of the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella, to the People's Republic of China, Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani, together with the Chinese Minister of Culture Sun Yeli, inaugurated the third plenary meeting of the Italy-China Cultural Forum.

"Culture brings our peoples together," said Minister Tajani, adding that "it is in this spirit that our countries are asked to play a fundamental role as bearers of peace, also through culture, in a world that increasingly needs dialogue and mutual understanding rather than 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 signed three agreements:

1) the Memorandum of Understanding between the Italian Ministry of University and Research and the Chinese Ministry of Education on the establishment of a regular consultation mechanism; 2) the Executive Programme of Cultural Cooperation between the Italian Republic and the People's Republic of China and 3) the Memorandum of Understanding on the translation of Italian and Chinese classical works between the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the Chinese National Administration of Press and Publication.

"Culture is a fundamental aspect in Italy-China relations. It is the foundation for reciprocal knowledge and for consolidating the ties that have united our peoples since ancient times," said Tajani, recalling the strong symbolic importance of Marco Polo, whose 700^th death anniversary is being celebrated this year. "Each new cultural initiative represents a further step in the road towards dialogue", added the Minister.

Opening the work of the Cultural Forum, Minister Tajani had the opportunity to highlight the broad range of topics covered by the bilateral cultural dialogue. "From academic and linguistic exchanges to the increasingly intense cooperation between the museum, theatre and music institutions of the two countries, the significant results of the Italo-Chinese cultural dialogue are made possible thanks to the daily commitment of all cultural operators involved, both public and private, who are here in Beijing today and to whom I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude," said Tajani, who then expressed his strong appreciation for "the innovative approach with which the Forum intends to enhance common 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 will join forces to create added value while looking to the future."