Gala Marking China-Italy Friendship Held

A gala marking the friendship between China and Italy was held at La Lantern, an art center in Rome on the evening of March 21. The event was hosted by the State Council Information Office of PRC and the Chinese Embassy in Italy and organized by the Hunan Provincial People’s Government Information Office and the Hunan Broadcasting System.

Jiang Jianguo, vice minister of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attended and delivered a speech. He said that China and Italy have long-standing exchanges and deep friendship. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the China-Italy comprehensive strategic partnership. Next year will be the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Developing bilateral relations faces important opportunities. He added, “The ‘Belt and Road’ Initiative will bring China and Italy closer together, benefit the people of both countries, and open up new prospects for the economic and social development of the two countries.

The Deputy Minister of Information and Publications of the Italian Prime Minister Office and the Deputy Minister of Economic Development of Italy thanked the Chinese people for their friendly exchanges. They said that the “Belt and Road” Initiative is not only a business opportunity but also a cultural, information and personnel exchange. As two ancient countries, China and Italy have broad space for development cooperation.

Performances at the gala highlighted the cultures of China and Italy. The charms of the two cultures were demonstrated through Chinese dances and acrobatics, Chinese and Italian instruments, Italian opera, and various performances by Chinese and Italian artists.

Performers and guests pose for a group photo during a gala marking the friendship between China and Italy in Rome, Italy, March 21, 2019. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)

Actors from Nazionale Acrobati Pizzaioli perform acrobatics during a gala marking the friendship between China and Italy in Rome, Italy, March 21, 2019. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)

Students attend a gala marking the friendship between China and Italy in Rome, Italy, March 21, 2019. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)

Performers from China and Italy play musical instruments during a gala marking the friendship between China and Italy in Rome, Italy, March 21, 2019. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)

Children give a performance during a gala marking the friendship between China and Italy in Rome, Italy, March 21, 2019. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)

Children give a performance during a gala marking the friendship between China and Italy in Rome, Italy, March 21, 2019. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)

Chinese and Italian performances included:

- The Chinese classic song ‘Jasmine’ by Chinese singer Lei Jia and Piccolo Coro dell'Antoniano (an Italian children's choir);

-a performance by famous Italian young violinist Clarissa Bevilacqua Chinese young acrobats;

-a mix of Chinese traditional orchestra ‘He Orchestra’ and mandolin Italian traditional music instrument; and,

-Chinese and Italian songs by Chinese young singers Ma Jia, Yu Di, Wang Kai and Italian operatic pop trio ‘II VOLO’.

A musical feast of Chinese and Italian cultures and arts was presented to the audience. The gala will be broadcast on Hunan TV.