The 2nd Forum for Mayors of “16+1” Capital Cities of China and Central and Eastern European Countries was convoked on September 15 in Podgorica, capital of Montenegro. As the warming-up, “Charming Beijing” Gallery, Exhibition of Intangible Cultural Heritage and a symphony concert were held at Montenegrin National Theatre on the eve of the forum. Vice Secretary of CPC Beijing Committee and Acting Mayor of Beijing Chen Jining met with Premier of Montenegro Dusko Markovic and Vice Premier Milutin Simovic. Mayors of capital cities of Central and Eastern European countries, as well as some representatives, visited the gallery and exhibition, and attended the concert.
Eminent guests were present at the Montenegrin National Theatre on the eve. The “Charming Beijing” Gallery, sponsored by News Office of the Beijing Municipal Government, attracted many foreign eyes. The 20-plus delicate pictures showcase Beijing's brilliant history, dynamic present development and great prospect of tomorrow. It is the Beijing story, far away yet close enough, ancient yet modern still. In the meantime, artists of intangible cultural heritage showed their stunts at the exhibition, and won great applause. The items, including painted clay sculpture of facial makeup, knitting Chinese knot, playing diabol and papercutting, are living examples of the unique and charming traditional culture of Beijing. Curious and amazed, many foreign friends came up with excitement to experience the stunts and the magical power within them.
Beijing Symphony Orchestra, together with musicians of Montenegro Symphony Orchestra, staged a grand music feast at the Montenegrin National Theatre. On the list for the concert included the warm and light Reba Dance, which is full of Chinese elements, Montenegrin folk songs with strong local features, the classic Walter defends Sarajevo, the Flute Concerto Chinese Themes for Bassoon and Orchestra, which was on its world debut, and the tone poem Symphony No.8 by Dvorak. The concert was full of climax, indulging the audience to a delightful journey of beauty and soul.
On the afternoon, Chen Jining and Slavoljub Stijepovi?, Mayor of Podgorica visited Kina Medika in Montenegro and attended the exhibition of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and gratuitous treatment by Beijing Tong Ren Tang Group. In recent years, Tong Ren Tang Group focused on central and eastern European areas for overseas business development. With Kina Medika, Tong Ren Tang held a series of TCM campaigns to better showcase TCM culture, promote TCM-based healthy lifestyle and ideas about health preservation, and help more people in overseas countries better understand and choose TCM. Later, Chen Jining had a work meeting with Slavoljub Stijepovic.
Attended the event included Mr. Cui Zhiwei, Chinese Ambassador to Montenegro, Ambassador Huo Yuzhen, special envoy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European Countries, and Li Wei, Secretary-General of Beijing Municipal Government.
