Chinese Ambassador to Venezuela Zhao Bentang (L) and Venezuelan Minister of Culture Alejandrina Reyes show a copy of the book "The Governance of China" by Chinese President Xi Jinping, during a book donation ceremony in Caracas, capital of Venezuela, Sept. 26, 2017. The Chinese Embassy to Venezuela on Tuesday donated Chinese President Xi Jinping's book "The Governance of China" and 384 other books by Chinese authors to Venezuela's National Library. (Xinhua/Boris Vergara)
CARACAS, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- China's embassy in Venezuela on Tuesday donated more than 385 books by renowned Chinese authors to Venezuela's National Library, in a bid to strengthen cultural cooperation between the two nations.
Among the 35 titles were the acclaimed book by Chinese President Xi Jinping, "The Governance of China," and "Shifu, You'll Do Anything for a Laugh," by Nobel prize-winning author Mo Yan.
The literary exchange aims to take bilateral relationship to a new level marked by greater interest in China's culture and civilization, especially among Venezuelan youth.
In making the donation, China's ambassador to Venezuela Zhao Bentang said cultural exchange was a "fundamental form of sharing" that has over the past decade helped increase "comprehensive cooperation" between the two countries.
The remainder of the titles delve into a range of issues, from politics to economics and culture, inviting readers to learn more about different facets of Chinese society, including its governing system and reforms process.
The donation reflects "sharing with the Venezuelan people our achievements in science, technology, in environmental protection, in what we think, what we experience and what we do, because our goal is to promote closeness and communication between our countries, with an eye towards shared peace and development," said Zhao.
Venezuela's Minister of Culture Alejandrina Reyes said the move marks "the beginning of a beautiful stage of joint collaboration."
More cultural events are planned. Venezuela's National Cinematheque Foundation plans to screen a series of Chinese films starting Oct. 1, to mark China's National Day.
In addition, an ongoing exhibit called "Relating China 2017" features 54 photographs by various artists that show daily life in Chinese cities and the countryside. The exhibit will be traveling to 24 libraries around the country.
A photography exhibit opening Sunday at the Bellas Artes Museum in Caracas will showcase more than a thousand images of the Silk Road, the historic trade route linking China with Europe, the Middle East and other regions.
The book donation and other cultural events are part of a program called "Red October," putting together by Venezuela's Culture Ministry to celebrate the 68th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
