BEIJING, Jan. 19 (Xinhuanet) -- "The Year of Italy in China", a cultural gala co-organized by China and Italy, opened here Thursday in a concert featuring the great composers of Italian Opera.

    "In the unforgettable melody that best represents the cultural identity of Italy, the Chinese people will have a better understanding of Italy and its people," said Chinese Cultural Minister Sun Jiazheng at a joint press conference before the concert.

    Sun said the proposal of the Year of Italy in China was jointly raised and approved by the two sides during Italian President Ciampi's visit to China in 2004. With the joint efforts of the two sides during the past year, the cultural event came with abundant programs covering wide range of subject, like film, drama, dance, music, exhibition, environmental protection, education and research, science and technology, etc.

    "The cultural event is designed to open wide a window for the Chinese people to look into the Italian people's life and thoughts in the modern times, thus promoting the bilateral ties and mutual understanding between the peoples," said Italian Minister of Cultural Heritage Buttiglione.

    He said that the Year of Italy will be carried out in many Chinese cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Tianjin, Hong Kong, Shenyang, Harbin, Ningbo, and Suzhou, with many state-of-the-art exhibitions and performances such as the Italian Renaissance art exhibition, the exhibition of avant-garde art from Venice Biennale, and the performance of the La Scala opera house of Milan in the Chinese capital of Beijing and other Chinese cities.

    From Jan. 14 to 23, a total of 86 paintings, sculptures and tapestries of Italian Renaissance masters represented by Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael and Titian, will be on display at the Italian Renaissance art exhibition in the Millennium World Art Museum of the Centennial Altar in Beijing.

    Buttiglione said China became one of the most important powers in the world. The rapid progress in China never posed a threat to other countries, but offered great opportunities to the whole world.

    Following the "Year of France in China," Italy became the second European Union country to hold a culture-year event in China to promote bilateral exchanges and cooperation.

    "Italy believed that China would play a more positive role in maintaining the world peace and stability, therefore we always advocated that Europe should further develop its ties with China," he said.

    Apart from the cultural demonstration, Italian entrepreneurs will also participate in economic forums and expositions to introduce the advanced experience in sustainable development and environmental protection. Local governments and organizations in Italy will also host activities to promote Italian fashion, food, furniture, design and tourism.

    Chinese Culture Minister Sun revealed at the same time with the Year of Italy in China, China will also host a series of activities in Italy, such as giving the show on Chinese relics, establishing a research institute on Chinese study, etc. The themeof this year's Venice Carnival will also focus on China.

    "Facing the great challenges brought by the globalization, we should use our wisdom and communicate with each other through political dialogues in which cultural exchange is the most effective way," said Buttiglione. Enditem