The Opening Ceremony of the Photo Exhibition and the Chinese Film Festival to Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Diplomatic Relations between China and Latvia Were Held at University of Latvia
On September 14, 2011, the Opening Ceremony of the Photo Exhibition to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Diplomatic Relations between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Latvia and the Chinese Film Festival were held at the University of Latvia. The relevant officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Latvia, personalities of various circles, teachers and students representing different universities and schools of Latvia, and the Embassy staff etc. altogether more than a hundred people attended the ceremony. H. E. Mr. Hu Yeshun, Ambassador of China in Latvia, H. E. Mr. Janis Mazeiks, Ambassador and Director General, Economic and Bilateral Relations Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, and Hon. Marcis Auzinsh, Rector of University of Latvia respectively delivered speeches on the occasion.
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H. E. Ambassador Hu Yeshun pointed out that, China and Latvia established the diplomatic ties on September 12, 1991. In the past 20 years, with the concerted efforts by both sides, the bilateral relations have scored considerable achievements. The high level exchange of visits between the Heads of the States, Speakers, Prime Ministers, Vice Prime Ministers and the Officials at the ministerial level of the two countries have been frequent, which have injected constant impetus into the development of the Sino-Latvian relations. The political foundation of the bilateral relations have been steadily consolidated. In the field of economy, both countries meet each other's needs, conduct reciprocity and mutual benefit, and bring practical benefits to the two peoples. The mutual exchanges and cooperation in the field of education is very fruitful. Last year, the Governments of China and Latvia signed the Agreement on Mutual Recognition of Higher Education Qualifications and Degrees and published the Chinese-Latvian Dictionary. And the Latvian language learning programme has been officially started at Beijing Foreign Studies University this year. The bilateral exchanges in the field of culture and art are more varied and colorful. And the mutual cooperation in other fields have been further deepened. Ambassador Hu especially paid sincere gratitude and tribute to friends from all walks of life for their contributions they have done over a long period of time. He pointed out that, the Sino-Latvian relations has been at the new starting point in the new century and is facing new opportunities of development. He said over the past year after he started his work in Latvia, he has deeply felt that the Government and the people of Latvia has sincere wishes to further strengthen the existing friendly relations and cooperation between our two countries. He reiterated that with the 20th Anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations as the turning point, the Chinese side would like to join hands with the Latvia side to further strengthen the mutual exchanges in the various fields, deepen the mutual cooperation in the key sectors, and jointly build a better future of the bilateral relations, in the spirit of mutual respect and win-win cooperation. He wished the audience at the ceremony may learn the new while re-studying the old, and make new progress of the bilateral relations between China and Latvia.
H. E. Ambassador Janis Mazeiks pointed out that, China was among the first countries that recognized the restoration of Latvia's independence, and China is the Asian country with which Latvia presently enjoys the most active and comprehensive cooperation. The relations are characterized by high level visits and by active exchange of experts in different areas. There are a number of legal agreements in force between Latvia and China laying down solid ground for advancing economic relations between the two countries. Active exchanges in education and culture have always been an integral part of our relations-and they are probably the most important element decreasing the distance between our two countries. He said that the exhibition also gives us opportunity to look back at the transformations that each country has undergone during past 20 years. Latvia has become member of the EU and NATO while China with its continuous breathtaking development has become an even more prominent international actor whose involvement is crucial for addressing the global challenges. These changes have given extra momentum and added breadth and diversity to the relations between Latvia and China. Ambassador Janis extend his most sincere greetings to the Embassy of China as the organizer of the event and to thank Ambassador Hu Yeshun for his support and enthusiasm in developing relations between Latvia and China. Likewise the credit goes to the tireless staff of the Embassy of China and the counterparts in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China. He said the celebration of the anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations is not only an occasion to look back to the past but also to set the goals for the future of our relations. In a world that is increasingly complex, interdependent and challenging, we need more creativity and innovation-concepts that are not only applicable to arts and sciences but also international relations and cooperation between countries.
After the ceremony, the invited guests saw the Chinese film titled as CONFUCIUS.
The second film for the Chinese Film Festival which will be shown at the Small Hall of University of Latvia on September 21, will be LOST ON JOURNEY.
