site.btaSecond CEE-China Cultural Cooperation Forum Opens in Sofia

Second CEE-China Cultural Cooperation Forum Opens in Sofia

Sofia, November 13 (BTA) - The Second Cultural Cooperation Forum of the Culture Ministers of Central and Eastern Europe and China (in a 16+1 format) opened at Sofia's NDK convention centre on Friday.

Bulgarian Deputy Culture Minister Boil Banov read out a message from Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, expressing his conviction that the discussions during the forum will be fruitful and will lead to action manifesting the shared will for cultural exchange.

In his opening address, Banov said China's cultural cooperation with Central and Eastern Europe goes in parallel with the political dialogue between China and the EU. Both parties are making serious efforts to expand their cultural cooperation and make it a third pillar in their relations, he said.

Chinese Culture Minister Luo Shugang read out a message from Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, saying: "Cultural exchange is very important for the strengthening of our relations. We are also building new partnerships. This is partly based on the new initiative, 'One Belt, One Road,' proposed by China."

Minister Luo said in his own address that cultural exchange between China and the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, linked by the Silk Road, has been going on for more than 2000 years.