Blossoming Encounter of East and West Diplomats' Cultural Exchange Salon Held in Beijing

A group photo

On May 10, the Blossoming Encounter of East and West Diplomats' Cultural Exchange Salon was held at Jingxi Yueji Park, Mentougou District, Beijing. More than 150 participants attended, including diplomats and envoys from more than 30 countries and international organizations, such as Jordan, Grenada and Bulgaria.

H.E. Mr. Hussam Al Husseini, Ambassador of Jordan to China, delivers a speech.

H.E. Mr. Hussam Al Husseini, Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to China, expressed his appreciation for the innovative idea of using flowers as a medium to carry out activities for diplomats. He said, "Flowers have always symbolized beauty and peace. Integrating this floral theme with culture elements here in Mentougou—a place of breathtaking scenery—creates an exceptional experience." He further noted that Jordan and China could strengthen cooperation in the flower industry in the future. 

H.E. Mr. Ian J. Marshall, Ambassador of Grenada to China, delivers a speech.

H.E. Mr. Ian J. Marshall, Ambassador of Grenada to China, emphasized in his speech that he stood on stage not only as an ambassador but also as a narrator, telling stories of resilience, creativity and the partnership that blossoms amidst adversity. "Grenada and China", he stated, "are not just coexist, we co-create." He praised the organizers of the Salon for their foresight, believing that the Salon is more than just a cultural exchange, but a clarion call to "build gardens, not high fences". He hoped that after the Salon, the participants would become "gardeners of a new world", writing a new chapter of diplomacy amid the fragrance of blossoms. In this, unity would be more than just a slogan—it would bloom into a sachet of shared stories. He said, "To the East, to the West, to the future we will grow together."

H.E. Mr. Andrey Tehov, Ambassador of Bulgaria to China, delivers a speech. 

H.E. Mr. Andrey Tehov, Ambassador of Bulgaria to China introduced in detail their country's "floral business card"—Rosa Damascena. He said that Bulgarian rose essential oil accounts for 70 percent of the world's total, and that China is one of the largest importers of Bulgarian rose oil products. He emphasized, "There are many opportunities for mutually beneficial win-win cooperation between Bulgaria and China, which should be further explored and enhanced." 

Mrs. Ināra Eihenbauma, the wife of the Ambassador of Latvia to China, wears a Zanhua headdress.

The "Zanhuawei" headdress, widely celebrated across the internet, is a cultural symbol of Quanzhou. Mrs. Ināra Eihenbauma, the wife of the Ambassador of Latvia to China, who experienced the Zanhua hair ornament at the event, expressed her excitement, "I like it very much! I am very proud to wear the traditional Chinese Zanhua wreath!" She also expressed that the Diplomats' Salon brought people from all over the world together, much like blossoming petals united in a flower, to foster friendship, describing it as wonderful.

(Source: CRI Online)