Mr. Hu Sishe, Vice President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) met in Sydney with Mr. Wayne Swan, the former Australian Deputy Prime Minister and the Treasurer of Australia in November, 17th.
During the meeting, Vice President Hu Sishe made an introduction about the aim and function of CPAFFC. Vice President Hu thanked Mr. Wayne Swan for specially attending the opening ceremony of “Journey of Chinese Art--Xu Peichen’s Painting and Calligraphy Exhibition in Australia”. He said, culture plays an important role as a bridge in communicating among different countries and people. Culture also is regarded as the common wealth owned by the human race. Zheng He went on an expedition to the 'Western Ocean' in Ming Dynasty when Chinese fleet had arrived in Australia. After that, the exchanges between China and Australia were launched. On the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the establishment of China-Australia diplomatic relations, the main purpose of holding Chinese traditional painting exhibition in Sydney this time was to enrich the cultural life of the two peoples, promote the feeling of the two peoples and further enhance the exchanges of the two countries in the fields of culture and art. and also it was expected to exert far-reaching influence on the innovation and development of the culture and art of the two countries through this exhibition. Meantime, it was hoped that the nongovernmental organizations could continue making contributions on promoting the friendship of the two countries.
Mr. Wayne Swan said that during his tenure as the Australian Deputy Prime Minister and the Treasurer of Australia, he visited China for many times and realized that the important role the cultural exchange played in the Australia and China relations. At present, more and more Australian people begin to learn about Chinese long and splendid history and culture. Chinese art provides a new perspective that could not reflect from economic data and political report for Australian people to learn about China. This exhibition could inspire us to think about the important role the cultural ambassadors of the two countries (including artist, singer, poet and dancer) play in promoting the exchanges between the two countries. Cultural exchange could help us to understand the neighboring countries’ culture, which contributes to the prosperity and peace of the world. He thanked CPAFFC for making efforts on enhancing the cultural exchange of the two countries.
Mr. Wang Heshan, Secretary General of China Friendship Institute for International Art Exchanges of CPAFFC, Professor Xu Peichen and other personages, attended the meeting.
