On Thursday, Our Water, To a Boundless Future, a program of the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism, was rolled out at the Palais Brongniart, a classical structure seating on the bank of the Seine in Paris, France.
"Our Water: a global city dialogue started in Shanghai," a series of city image promotional activities launched by the Shanghai municipal government, started its first leg in the capital of France.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France, the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism, and the Paris Olympic Year.
At the inauguration of the event in Paris, French Senator Vincent Louault said that Shanghai and Paris can work together in urban governance, sustainable development, and economic and cultural aspects in the future.
This program will further consolidate and deepen the friendship between the Chinese and French peoples, Louault said.
Li Yun (left), president of Shanghai United Media Group, and Chen Jialing (right), a renowned ink painting artist, present Vincent Louault, a vice-president of the French Senate's France-China Friendship Group, with a porcelain plate designed by Chen. Photo: Courtesy of event organizer
Li Yun, president of Shanghai United Media Group, and Chen Jialing, a renowned ink painting artist, presented Vincent Louault, a vice-president of the French Senate's France-China Friendship Group, with a porcelain plate designed by Chen. The design on the porcelain is a painting of fleur-de-lis, the national flower of France, symbolizing the good wishes for the long-lasting friendship between China and France.
Delegates from both countries explored the opportunities unleashed by the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and France for the dialogue between Eastern and Western civilizations.
Rivers nourish cities, inspire creators of humanities and arts, and enhance mutual learning among civilizations, participants said.
Six Chinese and French guests from the field of humanities and arts exchanged ideas in art, literature, gastronomy, the symbiotic relationship between evolvement in urban heritage and rivers.
With innovation blurring the boundaries among industry sectors, participants attending the forum also shared their observations in the opportunities and cooperation between China and France during the past decades.
Another group of experts discussed the interaction and integration between cross-border cooperation and industrial innovation.
"Our Water inaugural season series event" in Paris will last for 18 days. Through cross-field, cross-border and cross-media activities, organizers will bring together the historical memory of the cities, explore the taste of food, the beauty of architecture, the elegance in paintings and drawings and the power of images, the program will showcase the gorgeous exchanges between China and France in culture and art.