CHONGQING (CQNEWS) -- H.E. Massimo Ambrosetti, the Italian Ambassador to China, attended the exhibition “LEONARDO, RAFFAELLO, DANTE, AND E L'INGEGNO ITALIANOALLE ORIGINI DELMADE IN ITALY” that closed at the Art Museum of Sichuan Fine Arts Institute on November 22.

Sponsored by the Consulate General of Italy in Chongqing, the Art Museum of Sichuan Fine Arts Institute, the School of Design of Sichuan Fine Arts Institute and the Cultural Centre of the Italian Embassy in Beijing, the exhibition “LEONARDO, RAFFAELLO, DANTE, AND E L'INGEGNO ITALIANOALLE ORIGINI DELMADE IN ITALY” was opened to the public on October 25. The first exhibition opened in Beijing this summer, and Chongqing was the second stop for the event.

"It is a great pleasure for us to hold the exhibition in Chongqing. It will expose Chongqing people to more Italian culture in the future,” said H.E. Massimo Ambrosetti. He added that Chongqing is a vibrant city as well as the cultural center in Southwest China. Italy and Chongqing have many similarities, such as people's love for food. The unique landscape of Chongqing impressed Ambrosetti. He believes that the fusion of culture and landscape and the integration of tradition and innovation have cultivated the urban characteristics of Chongqing and that Chongqing's spirit of innovation and dynamism in urban development are marvelous. Chongqing has many great partners in Chongqing.

In addition to being engaged in communication with relevant departments in Chongqing on the cooperation between the sides, Ambrosetti visited Dazu Rock Carvings and other tourist attractions during his stay in Chongqing.

Archaeology helps us understand our past, said Ambrosetti. He’s happy to revisit Dazu Rock Carvings, one of the world's cultural sites. He added that both Italy and China are home to a substantial number of world cultural heritage and cultural sites, so tourism is an important field for bilateral cooperation. Both sides have world-leading technology in cultural relics protection and restoration. Italy is the first Western country to establish a research institute for cultural relic restoration, and the two sides have organized some important seminars in this field recently.

Not long ago, the World Italian Cuisine Week opened in Chongqing. Ambrosetti believes that the love of the two peoples for food has been passed on as a tradition, which is closely related to the cultural attributes of the two countries. Ambrosetti attaches great importance to the friendly exchanges between the two nations. He hopes that a series of activities and cooperation projects will foster friendship between the two countries, allow Chinese friends to learn more about the Italian culture, and create opportunities for future cooperation.

Ambrosetti is glad to see the opening of direct flights between Rome and Chongqing, and he believes that there is great cooperative potential in tourism between Italy and Chongqing. The year 2024, which marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of China-Italy comprehensive strategic partnership, will be a milestone in bilateral relations. He is looking forward to more close interaction and cooperation. (Translated by Yuki, Fathom Language Limited)