H.E. Mr. GU Xiaojie, Chinese Ambassador

(October 14, 2009)

Your Excellency Ambassador Mohamoud Dirir Ghedi, Minister of Culture and Tourism,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Dear Friends,

Today, we are gathering here at the opening ceremony of the Photo Exhibition entitled "Friends, Partners, and Brothers--Ethiopia in the Eyes of the Chinese Photographers" co-organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Ethiopia and the Chinese Embassy. Please allow me, on behalf of the Chinese Embassy to extend warm welcome to all of you present here, and our sincere gratitude to the National Theater and the National Museum of Ethiopia for their generous support and assistance to the successful holding of this exhibition.

In 2008, two Chinese photographers came to Ethiopia, a country with ancient history and unexplored natural beauty, on an inspired and shutter-happy tour. They photographed Ethiopia's aged-old civilization and culture, scenic mountains and rivers, its people and their colorful lives. They have also made good friends with the warm-hearted and hospitable Ethiopian people.

This exhibition features, through the lenses, an African country full of vigor, vitality, and hope. The artistic frames and compositions displayed here also reflect the friendly sentiments of Chinese people for the African people.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Cultural exchanges are very significant part of the cooperation between China and Africa, given their unique role to enhance mutual understanding, trust and friendship between the peoples. The frequent cultural exchanges and cooperation between China and Ethiopia reflect the all-around friendly relations of the two countries. This Exhibition is one of the programs to implement the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation-Beijing Action Plan (2007-2009).

A similar exhibition was held in China recently, at which the same photos were displayed. At that exhibition, these colorful photos opened a window for the Chinese people to know more about Ethiopia. This exhibition could as well build a bridge for the Ethiopian people to understand China better.

I wish the exhibition a complete success.

Now, May I invite H.E. Ambassador Mohamoud Dirir Ghedi, Minister of Culture and Tourism, to cut the ribbon.