Greek Culture Minister interview

At a news conference held at the Greek embassy in Beijing last week following the 4th Liangzhu Forum in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni notes the enduring significance of Greece-China cultural ties, describing the two countries as the most ancient civilizations of West and East, whose wisdom offers "very essential, very meaningful answers to today's problems".

Noting that culture "creates bridges", Mendoni says dialogue between the two civilizations "can only have positive results, as it brings us together" to resolve modern problems — a message she carried from Hangzhou to Beijing.

Mendoni notes the Liangzhu Forum's role in fostering mutual trust also inspires dialogue "not only on the theoretical level, but between experts". She points to growing interest in the Parthenon and Greek antiquities alongside Chinese counterparts, stressing that "especially in turbulent times... it is essential for civilizations to get in contact, to know each other, and exchange."

On cultural heritage cooperation, she cites reciprocal exhibitions as a cornerstone, recalling Athens' Acropolis Museum exhibition on Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) emperor Qianlong as "a huge success" and confirming an upcoming Chinese porcelain exhibition eagerly awaited in Greece. She also says six Greek exhibitions have been held in China in the past few years, drawing millions of visitors, noting that such collaboration extends to educational institutions and universities across both countries.

The establishment of the Chinese School of Classical Studies at Athens in 2024 is a concrete example of deepened ties. Chinese and Greek archaeologists are jointly excavating a site in western Greece, with Mendoni saying the partnership has "already been very important" and creates "added value that contributes effectively to people-to-people exchanges".

Looking ahead to the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Greece next year, Mendoni says cooperation will continue to focus on people-to-people exchanges and contemporary culture.

"We would like to reinforce our cooperation concerning the audiovisual industry; films, for example," she says, adding that educational and research cooperation will continue.