Shanghai Library signs MOU with Chilean counterpart

Shanghai Library on Tuesday signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Library of National Congress of Chile courtesy of the Window of Shanghai project.

Launched by Shanghai Library in 2002, the project aims to raise awareness about China's history and culture to overseas readers through book promotions in libraries across the world. The project is part of the China Book International Program initiated by the State Council Information Office of China and National Press and Publication Administration in 2006.

The cooperation will see Shanghai Library donate 500 print and digital books to the Library of National Congress of Chile.

"We'll strengthen collaboration with more libraries in Latin America, including Franklin Public Library in San Juan, Argentina, and the Confucius Institute at Sao Paulo State University in Brazil," said He Yi, deputy director of Shanghai Library.

Manuel Alfonso Perez Gui ez, director of the Library of National Congress of Chile, said the cooperation will deepen Chileans' understanding of Chinese traditions and lay the foundation for exchanges between the two libraries.

"International exchanges in the 21st century cover both infrastructure projects and soft power. The cooperation established between the two libraries will consolidate the communication between China and Latin America," said Juan Pablo Letelier, chairman of the advisory committee of the China-Latin America Alliance.

Valparaiso, a city where the Library of National Congress of Chile is located, is a key seaport on the west coast of the Pacific Ocean and the cultural capital of Chile. It established sister city relations with Shanghai in 2001.

"Shanghai will bolster cooperation with Valparaiso. We welcome Chilean teenagers to participate in the annual Shanghai International Youth Camp in the future," said Chen Jing, president of Shanghai People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.