Speech by Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Chinese Embassy in Cyprus Zhou Yunliang At the Opening Ceremony of Chinese Film Week in Cyprus & Premiere of the Sound of Shanghai

On 10 June, Mr.Zhou Yunliang, Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of the Chinese Embassy in Cyprus attended and addressed the Opening Ceremony of the Chinese Film Week in Cyprus & Premiere of the Sound of Shanghai. The full text of Chargé d'Affaires Zhou's remarks is as follows:

Your Excellency Giorgos Papageorgiou, Representative of the President of the Republic of Cyprus and Permanent Secretary of the Deputy Ministry of Culture,
Your Excellency Irene Piki, Deputy Minister to the President,
Your Excellency Khassim Diagne, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General and
Head of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Kalispera! Welcome to the Opening Ceremony of the Chinese Film Week in Cyprus & Premiere of the Sound of Shanghai. On behalf of the Embassy of China in Cyprus, let me begin by expressing heartfelt thanks to the co-organizers of this event, the China Film Administration and the Deputy Ministry of Culture of Cyprus, and extend a warm welcome to all our old and new friends present here today. 

First, through film, we can appreciate the longstanding friendship between China and Cyprus. Although geographically far apart, our two countries share a deep-rooted and enduring friendship. Over the past 55 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China and Cyprus have consistently treated each other with mutual respect and equality, while pursuing mutually beneficial cooperation and shared success. Together, we stand as an important example of sustained friendship and cooperation between China and European countries. People-to-people and cultural exchanges are an indispensable bond in China-Cyprus relations. As early as the 1990s, Hong Kong film productions came to Cyprus' beautiful coastline for location shooting. In recent years, exchanges between the film industries of our two countries have become increasingly dynamic. The arrival of the Chinese Film Week in Cyprus continues our longstanding friendship and will further bring our peoples closer together while deepening cultural exchanges between our two nations. 

Second, through film, we can appreciate the mutual learning and exchange between two great civilizations. Today is the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations. As things stand, the international landscape is marked by growing complexity and uncertainty, and the world faces many common challenges. In this context, exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations are more important than ever, and dialogue and cooperation among civilizations are especially timely and necessary. The Chinese civilization has flourished continuously for over five thousand years, while Cyprus helped nurture the splendid and profound civilization of ancient Greece. Although our countries differ in geography and cultural characteristics, we are both committed to peace, friendship, and openness. These common values create a natural bond of mutual understanding and affinity between our peoples. Very soon, the Premiere of the Sound of Shanghai, created by the renowned Cypriot artist Marios Joannou Elia, will take place. By skillfully integrating music with intangible cultural heritage, the film showcases the unique character of Shanghai and reflects the remarkable fusion of China's traditions and modernity. It stands as another vivid example of the deepening dialogue between our two civilizations. 

Third, through film, we can appreciate the openness and diversity of contemporary China. Film serves as a vivid reflection of a nation's history, culture, people's lives, and the spirit of the times. The seven Chinese films featured in this Film Week represent a rich variety of themes and perspectives. Some focus on the aspirations and perseverance of ordinary Chinese people, highlighting the spirit of self-improvement and determination that characterizes the Chinese nation. Others capture the warmth and humanity of everyday life, reflecting the kindness and sincerity at the heart of Chinese society. Still others draw from the course of history, showcasing the enduring cultural heritage and moral strength of the Chinese people. Blending the ancient and the modern, reality and imagination, these films present a multidimensional portrait of contemporary China－a country with profound historical roots, a warm and compassionate society, and an open, innovative, and forward-looking spirit. Together, they offer Cypriot audiences a vivid and colorful picture of China today. 

Dear friends, 

The art of cinema knows no borders, and mutual learning among civilizations has no limits. I hope that China and Cyprus will take this Film Week as an opportunity to further expand exchanges and cooperation, enrich the substance of civilization dialogue, strengthen the foundations of our bilateral relationship, and ensure that the friendship between our two countries continues to flourish and grow from generation to generation. 

Thank you.