On September 17th, “Window of Shanghai”Inauguration Ceremony or the Shanghai Municipal Government to the National Library of Cuba (Biblioteca Nacional de Cuba José Martí) Book Donation Ceremony was held at the Library.

Zhu Yonglei, Deputy Director of Publicity Department of CPC Shanghai Municipal Committee, highlighted historical ties of friendship between Chinese and Cuban people as well as the increasingly closer cooperation between two countries in political, economic and cultural fields. During 2010 Shanghai World Expo, the National Pavilion of Cuba enjoyed high popularity among Chinese visitors due to its distinctive features. The Shanghai Library has already signed cooperation agreement with the National Library of Cuba a long time ago. It is hopeful that “Window of Shanghai”can serve as a bridge connecting people of the two countries.

In his remarks, Chinese Ambassador to Cuba Mr. Zhang Tuo pointed out that the National Library of Cuba is the largest and oldest public library in Cuba, representing Cuba’s most important cultural venue. The Shanghai Library also boasts the most advanced equipment and a rich variety of books. Cooperation between these two libraries will inevitably enhance the exchanges between two countries’ academia. It is expected that “Window of Shanghai”will not only provide a window of cooperation but also a window through which Cuban people learn more about China.

Mr. Cuevas recalled the history of 165 years ago when some Chinese came to Cuba and helped Cuban people in their War of Independence and socialist construction after victory of the revolution. A lot of files recording this part of history can be found in the National Library of Cuba, which enables young Cubans to learn more about the accomplishments made by those Chinese. Further cooperation with the Shanghai Library can contribute to better understanding among two peoples.

Representatives of Shanghai Library and Curator of the National Library of Cuba then exchanged agreement of cooperation and exchanges. “Window of Shanghai” was unveiled by Deputy Cultural Minister of Cuba Mr. Berensa, Curator of the National Library of Cuba Mr. Cuevas, Deputy Director of the Public Communications Department of the CPC Shanghai Municipal Zhu Yonglei and China’s ambassador to Cuba Zhang Tuo.

“Window of Shanghai” is a service and communications project oriented towards foreign countries. Through donation of books published in China to foreign libraries, it showcases Chinese culture in an all-round way. Up till now, “Window of Shanghai” is already present in 80 libraries across 48 countries and regions, donating over 40,000 books and electronic publications. Representatives of the Shanghai Library attending the event include Mr. Zou Qin’nan, Trade Union Chairman, and Mr. Chen Xuyan, Deputy Chief of Administration Department.