Congratulations from Minister Zhao Qizheng

November 11, 2001

Please accept my sincere congratulations on the occasion of the opening of the China Tibetan Culture Week in Australia and New Zealand.

Located on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, known as the "roof of the world", Tibet has always been covered by a veil of mystery with its wealth of ancient legends, deep religious connotations and magical natural scenic spots and historical sites. It attracts a large number of people worldwide, who are eager to witness, with their own eyes, its unique grace and to feel its boundless charm.

This Tibetan Culture Week includes the Exhibition of Pictures of Tibet, Exhibition of Tangka Art, Film and TV Show, and performance of Tibetan songs and dances with distinct characteristics of the snowy region, displaying that today's Tibet, a part of the People's Republic of China, is making continuous progress in its modernization drive. I believe that this activity will help the people of Australia and New Zealand to get to know Tibet better, and promote the friendship between the Australian and New Zealand peoples and the Chinese people.

I wish the China Tibetan Culture Week every success!

Zhao Qizheng
Minister of the State Council Information Office, P.R.C.