The Sino-Ukrainian cultural exchanges week kicked off in Kiev on Monday, featuring a string of cultural events and economic discussions.
The festival, named "One Belt One Road" Week, is dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Ukraine and the upcoming Belt and Road forum for international cooperation in Beijing in May.
The ceremony was attended by about 300 guests, including former Ukrainian presidents Leonid Kravchuk and Viktor Yushchenko, senior Ukrainian and Chinese officials, Ukrainian parliament representatives and local business leaders.
While addressing the ceremony, Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister Gennady Zubko said that the Sino-Ukrainian cultural exchanges week will contribute to Ukraine's aspiration to become an important link in the Silk Road chain.
"The possibility of cooperation and participation in the One Belt One Road project is very important not only for the Ukrainian economy, but also for its relations with China," Zubko stressed.
He said that the participation in the Belt and Road Initiative would help Ukraine to implement its development strategy for 2020, which, among other things, focuses on the advancing of transport infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Zhang Wenkang, the head of the Chinese delegation, said that apart from being an instrument for boosting economic cooperation, the "One Belt One Road" week will promote mutual understanding between Chinese and Ukrainian people.
He was echoed by Ukrainian first lady Maryna Poroshenko, who said the event will promote dialogue, connectivity and mutual trust between the peoples of Ukraine, China and other countries along the Silk Road.
"Today we are witnessing the cultural dialogue between the East and the West. It is very important that Ukraine, which lies on the route between China and Europe, has become an important link in building new continental belt connecting the East and the West," Poroshenko said.
During the whole week, visitors would have a chance to get acquainted with Chinese culture and traditions.
A number of cooperation agreements between China and Ukraine will be signed during the "One Belt One Road" week.
"This is not just the cultural festival, but also the handshake of two outstanding civilizations," said Chinese Ambassador to Ukraine Du Wei, while addressing the opening ceremony of the "One Belt One Road" Week.
