With great joy and honor, The Nikos Kazantzakis Museum welcomed on Friday 31/3/2023 the Minister of Culture of China, Mr. Hu Heping, the Ambassador of China to Greece, Mr. Xiao Junzheng and high-ranking officials of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Embassy of China in Greece. The official delegation of China was awaited in Myrtia by the Regional Governor of Crete, the Mayor of Archanes – Asterousia, leading officials of the Region of Crete and the Municipality of Archanes – Asterousia, the Board of Directors, the Director and the staff of The Nikos Kazantzakis Museum, as well as representatives of the local community.
At the meeting, which took place in the Conference Hall "G. Anemogiannis" of the Museum, the very good relationship and cooperation that exists between China and the Region of Crete was confirmed. A relationship that can be strengthened and strengthened further, especially in the fields of agro-food, tourism, education and culture. This was in fact the common desire and pursuit of both delegations and those present at the meeting.
During the meeting there was a historical review of the timeless relationship of Nikos Kazantzakis and the museum dedicated to him with China through a special projection. Afterwards, the Minister of Culture of China, the Ambassador and the other members of the delegation were guided to the Permanent Exhibition of the Nikos Kazantzakis Museum, which features personal items and autographed notes from Kazantzakis' travels to China, books by the great author inspired by Chinese culture and translations of his books into Chinese.
In 1935 Nikos Kazantzakis made his first trip to China. Its spirit, 88 years later, is alive in this great country of Asia and is a constant and fruitful channel of communication between two ancient and great civilizations. The thought and life of Nikos Kazantzakis continues to inspire peace, freedom, reconciliation and brotherhood among the Peoples of the entire world. Kazantzakis' teachings remain an important vehicle for communication and deepening the ties and friendship between Greece and China.
