The exhibition of "Contemporary Oil Paintings from China" was solemnly inaugurated in New Delhi on February 17. Mr. Jagmohan, Minister for Tourism and Culture of India, Mr. Dhanendra Kumar, Secretary of Department of Culture, Ministry of Tourism and Culture of India and H.E. Mr. Hua Junduo, Chinese Ambassador to India lighted the lamp and delivered speeches for the inaugural ceremony of the exhibition. About three hundred people attended the function, including representatives of the China International Exhibition Agency, Indian friends from the circles of culture, media and industry, and diplomats in India.

In his speech, H.E. Ambassador Hua Junduo extended cordial welcome to Indian friends and diplomats and briefed them on the history of Chinese oil painting. He pointed out that this exhibition would give impetus to cultural exchanges and cooperation between China and India and enhance the mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples.

Minister Jagmohan appraised the achievements in bilateral cultural exchanges and cooperation and expressed thanks to Ambassador Hua and the Chinese organizer for the oil paintings exhibited to the Indian people. He said that the exhibition, as the full representation of artistic charm and creativity of the Chinese famous oil painters, would narrow the psychological gap and further the understanding between Chinese and Indian peoples. Secretary Kumar stressed in his brief speech that the exhibition was another typical example in cultural exchanges and cooperation between the two governments.

Fifty oil paintings of more than thirty famous Chinese contemporary oil painters were exhibited, including Mr. Wang Shaolun, Mr. Cao Jigang and Mr. Sun Weimin, comprehensively showing the current situation and development trends of the Chinese oil painting art and vividly portraying the style and features of the modern society of China.

The exhibition was held according to the Executive Program of Cultural Exchange between the two countries. These oil paintings had been exhibited in Mumbai and Culcutta in succession, which were cordially welcomed and highly appreciated by the local people.

(Chinese Embassy in India)