H. E. Massimo Ambrosetti Ambassador of Italy to the People's Republic of China:
Italy is one of the founding member states of the European Union and the second largest manufacturing country in Europe, with a population and economic output ranking among the top in Europe. Italy established a Consulate General in Chongqing in 2013.
On November 22, the "Source of Wisdom - Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Dante and Italian Design and Manufacturing" closed at the Art Museum of Sichuan Academy of Fine Arts, with Italian Ambassador to China, H. E. Massimo Ambrosetti attending the ceremony.
The exhibition was hosted by the Consulate General of Italy in Chongqing, the Art Museum of Sichuan Academy of Fine Arts, the Design Institute of Sichuan Academy of Fine Arts, and the Cultural Centre of the Italian Embassy in China.
Italy and Chongqing are very Similar
"I am very pleased that the exhibition was held in Chongqing. In the future, we will bring more Italian culture to Chongqing." Ambrosetti said that Chongqing was a very dynamic city and a cultural centre in southwestern China, and that Italy and Chongqing have many similarities, including people's love for food.
Chongqing's unique landscape also made a deep impression on Ambrosetti. He believes that the integration of culture and landscape, the interweaving of tradition and innovation, has nurtured unique urban characteristics, and Chongqing's innovative spirit and urban development are astonishing. In Chongqing, Italy has great partners.
"Italy and China are two of the inheritors of the oldest civilizations in human history." Ambrosetti said that exhibitions like the "Source of Wisdom" could enhance communication between the two sides, facilitate mutual learning of civilizations, and were very important in shaping today's cultural attributes. The inheritance of historical and cultural heritage is a responsibility that requires a deep understanding of our history.
Strengthening Archaeological Cooperation with Chongqing
During his visit to Chongqing, Ambrosetti also visited Dazu Rock Carvings and other places, in addition to discussing cooperation issues with the relevant departments in Chongqing. "Archaeology is an important field to understand our past." Ambrosetti was very happy to visit the Dazu Rock Carvings, a world cultural heritage. He said that Italy and China had the largest number of world cultural heritage sites and archaeological sites in the world, which was an important area for deepening cooperation between the two sides. Both sides have world leading technologies in cultural relic protection and restoration, and Italy is the first Western country to launch a cultural relic restoration research institute. Recently, both sides are organizing key seminars in related fields.
Welcome Chinese Tourists to Italy
The World Italian Food Week recently opened in Chongqing. Ambrosetti believes that the love for food among the people of both countries is a tradition which is closely related to the cultural attributes of both countries. Ambrosetti attaches great importance to friendly exchanges between the two countries and hopes to deepen exchanges through a series of activities and cooperation projects, so that Chinese friends can better understand Italian culture and create opportunities for future cooperation. More than 700 years ago, Italian traveler Marco Polo traveled thousands of miles to China and wrote "Marco Polo's Travels", which sparked "China fever" in Europe. Ambrosetti said that Marco Polo's trip was carried out in a peaceful context and was very cooperative, based on the foundation of civilization dialogue. Marco Polo's travelogue, which made China more known in the Middle Ages, is a good example of communication and has profound influence. From an historical perspective, Marco Polo taught us a very good lesson. We must do good deeds and actively interact to tell good stories.
Ambrosetti said that he was pleased to see direct flights between Rome and Chongqing. He welcomes Chinese tourists back to Italy and hopes that Chongqing can be visited by more Italians. The potential for tourism cooperation between the two sides is enormous. This year, 2024, is a milestone for bilateral relations between Italy and China, with more frequent exchange activities from the government to the people. He looks forward to such close interaction and cooperation.