習近平向首屆世界古典學大會致賀信

11月7日，國家主席習近平向首屆世界古典學大會致賀信。

習近平指出，古典文明群星璀璨，不斷滋養和啟迪後世。兩千多年前，中國和希臘兩大文明在亞歐大陸兩端交相輝映，為人類文明演進作出了奠基性貢獻。中希共同舉辦首屆世界古典學大會，在雅典設立中國古典文明研究院，為中希兩國和世界各國搭建了文明交流互鑒的新平臺。

習近平強調，中國積極致力於推動文明傳承發展，加強國際人文交流，促進全球文明對話，注重從不同文明中尋求智慧、汲取營養，願同各方一道，踐行全球文明倡議，攜手解決人類共同面臨的各種挑戰，共同推動人類文明發展進步。希望各位專家學者擔負起古典學研究的使命，為促進文明傳承發展、推動文明交流互鑒作出更大貢獻。

首屆世界古典學大會當日在北京開幕，主題為“古典文明與現代世界”，由中國社會科學院、中國教育部、中國文化和旅遊部、希臘文化部、希臘雅典科學院共同主辦。

Xi sends congratulatory letter to inaugural World Conference of Classics

Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter on Thursday to the inaugural World Conference of Classics, which is scheduled from Wednesday to Friday.

Xi noted that the conference, co-organized by China and Greece, along with the establishment of the Chinese School of Classical Studies in Athens, has created a new platform for civilizational exchange and mutual learning for China, Greece and other nations in the world.

Xi said that the ancient civilizations of China and Greece flourished on opposite sides of the Eurasian continent more than two millennia ago, laying the foundation for the development of human civilization.

He emphasized China's commitment to the preservation and development of civilizations and added that China is dedicated to enhancing international people-to-people exchanges and fostering global dialogues among civilizations.

The Chinese president said China stands ready to work with other nations in implementing the Global Civilization Initiative, addressing shared challenges facing humanity, and promoting the advancement of human civilization.

Xi also expressed hope that experts and scholars will embrace the responsibility of advancing classical studies, contributing to the preservation and development of civilizations, and enhancing their exchange and mutual learning.

The theme of the conference is "Classical Civilizations and the Modern World." An opening ceremony was held in Beijing on Thursday.

Li Shulei, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, attended the opening ceremony and read out Xi's congratulatory letter.

Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou's congratulatory letter was also read out at the ceremony. UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay sent a written address on this occasion.

The conference has drawn over 600 participants, including those from related departments and institutions of China and Greece, and experts, scholars, cultural figures, youth representatives and media professionals from around the world. 

Li Shulei, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, reads out President Xi Jinping's congratulatory letter to the inaugural World Conference of Classics and delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the conference in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 7, 2024. The conference is scheduled from Wednesday to Friday. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)