Letter of Congratulation from Zhao Qizheng, Director of the Information Office of the State Council of the People's Republic of China

China has 56 ethnic groups. As a member of the big family of the Chinese nation, the Tibetan people have created a brilliant and charming excellent culture in its long history. Through Thangka pictures presentation, song and dance performances, exchanges with Tibetologists and living Buddhas and film and TV programs broadcasting, "2002¡¤ China Tibetan Culture Week" will vividly display the changes and modern development of China's Tibet and its traditional culture full of vitality to the peoples of Belgian and Canada. I believe that this activity will serve as a bridge for promoting mutual understanding and friendship between the Chinese people and the Belgian and Canadian peoples.

I wish "2002¡¤ China Tibetan Culture Week" a complete success.

Zhao Qizheng
Minister of the Information Office of the State Council
of the People's Republic of China,

August 1, 2002