Greek Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni’s recent visit to Beijing marked a significant step in deepening the longstanding cultural connection between Greece and China.
Invited by the prestigious Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), Ms. Mendoni delivered the opening address at the inaugural World Congress of Classical Studies, centered on the theme “Classical Cultures and the Modern World.”
Established in 1977, CASS is China’s foremost institution in the fields of philosophy and social sciences, hosting 31 research institutes, 45 research centers, and over 3,200 scholars.
Ms. Mendoni, in her discussions with CASS President Mr. Gao Xiang, emphasized the importance of the Congress, which is jointly organized by CASS, China’s Ministries of Culture and Tourism, Greece’s Ministry of Culture, and the Academy of Athens.
This event, she noted, establishes a unique and influential forum for dialogue between two of the world’s most iconic classical civilizations, where Greece and China can both make substantial contributions.
“Greek and Chinese cultures, each with their unique values and principles, formed the bedrock of Western and Eastern thought,” said Ms. Mendoni. “But we must not confine ourselves to the past; rather, we should be inspired by it to create a dynamic present and work toward a better, sustainable future.”
Mr. Gao thanked Ms. Mendoni for her efforts in strengthening the cultural ties between the two nations, recognizing the enduring impact of ancient Greek values on global intercultural dialogue. He highlighted the significance of the collaboration between Greece’s Ministry of Culture and the Academy of Athens in hosting the Congress, describing it as a pivotal intellectual exchange between Greece and China.
Their discussions also included the Athens-based Chinese School of Classical Studies, a new CASS branch established only months ago. Governed by Greece’s 2021 law for the protection of antiquities and cultural heritage, the school operates under the supervision of the Greek Ministry of Culture.
Both leaders reviewed upcoming educational programs that the school plans to launch in 2025, focusing on promoting classical studies and fostering meaningful cultural exchanges between Greece and China.
During her visit, Ms. Mendoni, accompanied by CASS General Secretary Mr. Zhao Zhimin, toured the Academy’s Archaeological Museum, which opened in 2023 as China’s first dedicated archaeological museum.
The museum tour offered Ms. Mendoni a closer look at China’s own historical preservation efforts, echoing Greece’s commitment to safeguarding its cultural heritage.
Ms. Mendoni’s visit not only reaffirms the strong bonds between Greece and China but also establishes a new, promising chapter in cultural diplomacy, where two ancient cultures continue to share wisdom, mutual respect, and a vision for a collaborative future.