Greece-China Year of Culture and Tourism 2021 to be inaugurated in May

ATHENS, Jan. 27 (Xinhua) -- The Greece-China Year of Culture and Tourism 2021 will be inaugurated this May, officials said in a written statement on Wednesday.

Greek Culture and Sports Minister Lina Mendoni held a meeting this week with Chinese Ambassador to Greece Zhang Qiyue to discuss the program of the events that will run from May 2021 until May 2022, according to an e-mailed press release from the Greek ministry.

During the Greece-China Year of Culture and Tourism, the two countries aim to deepen their traditional relations, promote the friendship of the two peoples, expand their cooperation and organize projects in culture and tourism, according to the press statement.

At the opening event, the statues of ancient Greek philosopher Socrates and Chinese philosopher Confucius will be unveiled at the archaeological site of Ancient Agora near the Acropolis hill in the center of Athens.

The sculpture "Socrates and Confucius: A Meeting" was made by the curator of the National Art Museum of China (NAMOC) Wu Weishan, who will donate the artwork.

Depending on the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, museums from Greece and China will exchange during the Year of Culture and Tourism at least six exhibitions.

In addition, conferences and online music concerts with the participation of Greek and Chinese artists are scheduled.

The two sides also aim to strengthen their cooperation on issues relating to cultural heritage and contemporary artistic creation, according to the press statement.