On February 12, a concert of Chinese and Italian film melodies entitled „Romantic Encounter - When the Spring Festival Meets the Winter Olympics“ was held in the Italian capital of Rome, organized by China Media Group (CMG) and supported by the Chinese Embassy in Italy. The event was part of CMG's special event series with the theme „Prelude to the Gala - The Whole World is Watching the Spring Gala“.

The President of the Italian Chamber of Deputies, Lorenzo Fontana, sent a congratulatory letter on the occasion. Video greetings were made by Shen Haixiong, deputy head of the PR Department of the CPC Central Committee and director general of CMG, Italian Minister of Culture Alessandro Giuli, Minister for Sport and Youth Andrea Abodi and Mayor of Cortina d'Ampezzo Gianluca Lorenzi.

Shen Haixiong recalled that the Spring Festival is a cultural symbol of the millennial continuity of Chinese civilization and a spiritual link connecting Chinese people around the world. Today, it is celebrated by nearly one-fifth of the world's population and nearly 20 countries and regions have recognised it as an official holiday. The concert in Rome allowed Chinese and Italian cultures to meet through music and light, for the people of both countries to better understand each other and strengthen their friendship, thus enriching the cultural heritage of both civilisations.

CMG