As part of its official visit to China, Culture Minister Lina Mendoni held a meeting with the Minister of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China Sun Yeli in Beijing.

As reported by the Ministry of Culture, the two sides confirmed the excellent relations of cultural cooperation which have been strengthened in recent years, through the exchange and organization of periodical exhibitions and institutional cooperation between the two countries’ museum and research institutions.

The two ministers expressed the satisfaction them for the fact that this period are being shown Three reports of Greek antiquities In very important Beijing museums: the exhibition “Greeks: From Agamemnon to Alexander the Great”, at the Capital Museum, the exhibition “The Countless Aspects of the Nice”, the National Museum and the exhibition “Daedalus: Myths of Crete” at the Palace Museum. Particular reference was made to the progress of the implementation of the establishment of the National Museum of Antiquities, in the Silos Building of Piraeus, as well as in the Memorandum of Understanding between Greece and China on the nine archaeological investigations.

Minister Sun Yeli praised the high level of Greek -Chinese cultural relationships and reiterated the His commitment to their further strengthening. He noted that the large number of Greek exhibitions in China was due to the love of the Chinese people for Greek culture, but also to the policy of their country to be taught by the characteristics of ancient cultures.

Sun Yeli stated China’s intention to support Greece’s candidacy for registration of the Minoan palaces of Cretein the list UNESCO World Heritage Siterecognizing the importance of Minoan civilization for the heritage of mankind. At the same time, he reiterated his country’s steady and continuous support in the Greek demand for the reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures at the Acropolis Museum.

Lina Mendoni thanked her counterpart for China’s timeless support for reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures in Athensbut also for the continued cooperation of the two countries in combating the illegal movement of cultural goods and their return to their countries of origin. Finally, he pointed out that the peoples, who have rich and valuable cultural heritagethey are responsible for highlighting their culture for the benefit of the global community. The Minister of Culture invited her counterpart to the forum of ancient cultures, which will take place in Athens in December 2025, while Minister Sun Yeli invited Lina Mendoni to the international meeting for the protection of cultural heritage, organized by his ministry in November 20.

Culture Minister Lina Mendoni completed her official visit to China with a work meeting with the General Manager of the National Museum of Contemporary Art of Beijing Dr. Wu Weishan. Emphasis was placed on the cultivation of the dialogue between Chinese and Greek art, not only in ancient but also on modern. Particular reference was made to the sculptural complex “Confucius and Socrates: a meeting”, hosted in the ancient market of Athens, the work of Dr. Wu Weishan. The two sides discussed the future collaboration of the National Museum of Art of Beijing with the National Gallery-Alexander Soutsos Museum with the mutual exchange of exhibitions and experts.

The Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni was accompanied, throughout her official visit to China, the Ambassador of Greece to Beijing Eugenios Kalpiris and the Director General of Antiquities and Cultural Heritage Dr. Olympia Vikatou.