On April 26th, local time, sponsored by the Chinese Embassy in the Portuguese Republic, and organized by the Confucius Institute at University of Lisbon in Portugal, the opening ceremony of the Photo Exhibition on the Belt and Road Initiative kicked off at the School of Arts and Humanities of University of Lisbon. Cai Run, Chinese Ambassador to Portugal, Paulo Ferrão, Representative of the Minister of Science, Technologies and Higher Education, Andre Ribeiro, Representative of the Minister of Culture, Roser Baixio, Vice Rector of the University of Lisbon, Miguel Tamen, Director of School of Arts and Humanities, and Maria Fernanda Pargana Ilhéu, President of Association for the New Silk Road friendship (ANRS), attended the grand event. Over 150 people from all walks of life, as well as university faculty and students took part in the opening ceremony.
Ribbon-cutting ceremony
On behalf of the Chinese Embassy in Portugal, Cai Run extended gratitude to the efforts made by the Confucius Institute in holding this photo exhibition. He stated that Portugal and China have made continuous progress in China-Portugal cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative. China will continue to make concerted efforts with Portugal to actively promote the bloc and give strong impetus to the development of China-Portugal relations. This photo exhibition showcased the development philosophy, major achievements and profound significance of the Belt and Road Initiative in an all-round way. He believed that through the attractive pictures, people would deepen their understanding, thus furthering the pragmatic cooperation between China and Portugal in all fields.
Cai Run delivering a speech
Ferrão said in his speech that the Belt and Road Initiative would bring exciting opportunities to China-Portugal cooperation in areas such as economy, politics and culture. The Portuguese government thanked the Chinese counterpart for the great contributions, and would work together with China to push for common prosperity and development.
Ferrão delivering a speech
Ilhéu introduced the achievements made by China-Portugal cooperation within the Belt and Road Initiative in her speech. Both countries have conducted comprehensive cooperation in areas such as energy, electricity, tourism, culture and education, giving a strong boost to the cooperation in investment, trade, tourism and other sectors. These highlighted the fruitful results stemmed from the framework.
Ilhéu delivering a speech
Roser Baixio believed that the photo exhibition would be bound to inspire the faculty members and students at the University of Lisbon to have a comprehensive understanding of the Belt and Road Initiative.
Roser delivering a speech
The audience
When the opening ceremony came to an end, Cai Run, together with other guests, visited the photo exhibition. A total of 32 drawing boards with 100 handpicked pictures are on display, arousing a deep perception and interest from the audience. (cited from Confucius Institute Headquarters, source: Confucius Institute at University of Lisbon in Portugal, Story by Wang Hong)
