Source: CCTV.com

04-16-2008 09:10

A large exhibition tracing the roots of Chilean culture is open at Beijing's Capital Museum. "Mapuche - Seeds of Chile" showcases the art and culture of Chile's largest native ethnicity. Visiting Chilean President Michelle Bachelet unveiled the exhibition, Monday afternoon.

A large exhibition tracing the roots of Chilean culture is open at Beijing's Capital Museum. (Photo:CCTV.com)

This is the first time Chile has comprehensively showcased its ethnic culture in China. It's also the largest touring exhibition featuring the lesser known indigenous people of Mapuche.

Amid the busy schedule of her China visit, Chilean President Michelle Bachelet still manages to make a presence at the opening of the exhibition.

Michelle Bachelet, Chilean president, said, "This is a highly successful visit. Chile and China aim to promote an all-round cooperative partnership - to reach a new high, amid a favorable bilateral relationship. It's evident on the cultural side as well. The Mapuche are the seed of the Chilean nationality. An exhibition like this will help the two peoples to understand each other's history and origins."

Chile's Minister of Culture reiterated the importance of cultural exchange between the two countries.

Paulina Urrutia, Chilean Minister of Culture, said, "It's vital our two peoples to get to know each other's history to create a common future. I believe future cooperation will be achieved largely by cultural exchange. Through the culture of our largest ethnicity, we sow a seed in China for the Chinese people to understand the Chilean people."