Letter of Congratulation from Dr. Charles Willemen,
academician of the Belgian Imperial Academy of Sciences

It is common knowledge that China is a country with a highly developed culture Many exhibitions have made its intrinsic value clear.

Tibet is famous for its art and Buddhism. Often called Lamaism. During the Yuan (1271-1368CE) and Qing (1644-1911 CE) dynasties it was the main cultural phenomenon and its influence continued without interruption. At present many people study this cultural phenomenon. Scholars from different parts of the world will participate this time in a symposium with Tibetologists. So I am glad knowing that in September 2002 many people will use the opportunity to meet and appreciate the culture of Tibet. On display will be 50 Tibetan paintings (Thangkas),l and 600 photographs will show Tibet's scenery and people. By the way the number of Tibetans is far less than Belgium's population, but I often dream that one day Belgium's culture will be as well known in the world as Tibetan culture is.

This time there will be traditional Tibetan song and dance performances in Brussels, but at the same time Tibetan scholars will come to Belgium to promote exchanges. Among those who come to visit are living Buddhas. representative for Tibetan Buddhism. A Buddha in niwana may be living among us. It may also be noted that Tibetan culture and Mongolian culture are very related. A visit to the Yonghegong (so-called Lama Temple) in Beijing makes this immediately clear.

One does not often meet Tibetans in Belgium, but people here are enormously interested in Tibetan culture. The old, traditional culture is still very much alive in Tibet. One may even say that traditional Tibetan culture is more alive than the Renaissance of the Middle Ages are in Europe.

We can only applaud cultural exchanges. They make life so much more interesting. At the same time they make world even smaller. We offer our sincere congratulations to China's Association for Cultural Exchange with Foreign Countries and to the Association for Cultural Exchange with Foreign Countries of the Autonomous Region of Tibet The Belgium-China Friendship Association and the Cultural Center Belgium-China have once again shown that they are excellent ambassadors for cultural exchange. I am deeply convinced that this exhibition of Tibet Tibetan culture in Belgium will urge people to try to understand and appreciate Tibetan culture, at the same time doing away with misunderstanding. I hope that everyone will enjoy the cultural activities also the exchange of knowledge, with a smile. Long live Belo-Chinese cultural exchanges.

Brussels, 05.08.02
Prof, Dr. Charles Willemen
Member Belgium Royal Academy of Sciences