Chairman Li Ruohong visits the painting exhibition with Secretary-General of Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Moroccan Ambassador, President of BPAFFC, and Vice President of BPAFCC, and takes group photos with Chinese artists
On Dec 6th, 2012, “Ibn Battuta: Seven Centuries of Inspiration – Chinese Artists Paint the Spirit of Morocco” painting exhibition, hosted by Moroccan Embassy in China, Beijing People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and China World Peace Foundation, organized by China-Morocco Ibn Battuta Friendship Association and Peace Garden Jingdezhen Ceramics Club, started its opening ceremony at the exhibition hall of BPAFFC.
Moroccan Ambassador and Mrs. Jaafar Alj Hakim, President of BPAFCC Mr. Zhao Jiaqi, Chairman of China World Peace Foundation Mr. Li Ruohong respectively delivered a speech for the exhibition. Chairman Li Ruohong who has visited Morocco for five times stated that, “the long history, beautiful garden cities, thought-provoking art atmosphere and generous people of Morocco have impressed me a lot. It has been over 660 years since the famous Moroccan traveler Ibn Battuta’s first step to China. In 14th century, as the messenger of China-Morocco friendship, Ibn Battuta visited Beijing, the ancient capital city of that time, which is just where we hold the painting exhibition today. This coincidence is of great significance. The painting exhibition will contribute to foster cultural exchange and traditional friendship between China and Morocco. Peace and art program is just the bridge for carrying on traditional culture and developing forward modern civilization through cultural diplomacy, and improving the friendly cooperation among governments and people from different countries. Fine arts belong to the whole world.” As the co-president of China-Morocco Ibn Battuta Friendship Association, Chairman Li Ruohong, Ambassador H.E. Mr. Jaafar Alj Hakim, Secretary General Nasser Bourita of Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, President Zhao Jiaqi of BPAFFC jointly issued the exhibition certificate and collection certificate to Chinese artists, and unveiled a painting created by Madam Nouria herself. Madam Nouria presented this painting to the host in memory of the everlasting friendship between China and Morocco.
The exhibited Chinese painters include not only well respected old artists but also newly emerged excellent young artists. 42 pieces of creative works on display are rich in themes including natural sceneries, human landscapes and traditional costumes. These paintings well express the artists’ impression and understanding about Moroccan culture in forms of oil painting, watercolor painting, printmaking, Chinese painting, porcelain painting and ceramics that are with traditional Chinese characteristics. A famous Chinese calligrapher has written down the lyrics of Moroccan national anthem to deliver his sincere wish for China-Morocco friendship.
A delegation led by Mr. Nasser Bourita, Secretary General of Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, attended the opening ceremony together with other diplomats of different countries, officers in military system, entrepreneurs at home and abroad, famous artists and other 140 guests. They all said that this is the first painting exhibition that takes the theme of the local conditions and customs of a particular country.