China-Switzerland cultural relations gain momentum

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Jiang Jianguo (3rd R), the deputy head of Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and head of the State Council Information Office, attends with other guests the opening ceremony of the Chinese Book Center, at the University of Zurich, Switzerland, Jan. 11, 2017. [Photo / Xinhua][/caption]

The China-based Global Times reports on 'A New Era of Cultural Ties for China and Switzerland'. As China-Switzerland relations gain new momentum, their people-to-people and cultural ties have yielded fruitful results, said Jiang Jianguo, a senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC), during a visit in Switzerland this month.

During his stay, Jiang, the deputy head of Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee and head of the State Council Information Office, attended a series of cultural events which demonstrated the deepening ties of and communication between the two peoples.

On Tuesday, a photo show named "Beautiful China, Beautiful Switzerland" was launched at the Palace of Nations, exhibiting around 100 photos vividly portraying scenic landscapes and cultural customs of the two countries.

The photos revealed the long-time friendship enjoyed by the Chinese and Swiss people, said Jiang at the opening ceremony.

Switzerland has maintained its friendship with China over the past six decades since the two established diplomatic relations in 1950. It was also one of the first European countries to recognize China's market economy status and ink a free trade agreement with the country.

Jiang also attended the opening ceremony of the Chinese Book Center, the first of its kind in the country, held on Wednesday at the University of Zurich.

The center was "an important achievement in the sphere of cultural exchange between Chinese and Swiss people," said Jiang.