An art exhibition celebrating the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Italy is expected to highlight the cultural bonds between the two countries, and unite more people from different cultural backgrounds.
The two-week exhibition, which opened on Wednesday at the prestigious National Academy of Lincei in Rome, is co-hosted by the China Media Group (CMG), the Italian Ministry of Culture, the Museum of Civilizations, the Rome University of Fine Arts, the Italian Football Federation, and the Regional Council of Lazio.
The exhibition showcases more than 200 selected works by over 100 renowned Chinese contemporary calligraphers, painters, inheritors of intangible cultural heritage and master artisans. It also includes more than 100 treasured Italian artworks from the Museum of Civilizations in Rome.
Some guests shared their views on the exhibition, saying that it is expected to unite people from different cultural backgrounds, which is especially significant in the current global context, where wars and conflicts are still occurring.
"This is an important event. In this time with wars and conflicts occurring, we should pursue cultural exchanges, beauty and sports. These are what unite people rather than divide them. I hope this event will help, and of course it should help," said Fedele Confalonieri, chairman of Italian media company Mediaset .
"I was very impressed by the presentation. I think it's a very good job and very good collaboration between China and Italy," said Italian media Il Giornale's CEO Nicola Speroni.
"Italian consumers are increasingly recognizing and trusting Chinese brands, which exemplifies the positive relationship between China and Italy. Italian consumers' recognition of Chinese brands has evolved from low-end products at the beginning to mid-to-high-end products now. The deepening of trust in Chinese brands also reflects the better integration of relations between Italy and China," said Pan Jiatao, deputy general manager, Hisense Italy.
The exhibition is set to remain open to the public at the National Academy of Lincei until July 9.
Founded in 1603 and located in the historic center of Rome, the Academy is one of Europe's oldest and most prestigious research institutions. Often referred to as the "cradle of modern science," it serves not only as one of Italy's highest academic authorities but also as a key scientific and cultural advisory body to the President of Italy.
Art exhibition held in Rome highlights China-Italy cultural bonds
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
