On August 20, the "Reading Without Borders – Books Connect East and West" Ambassadors' Reading Salon was held at the International Bookstore in Beijing. The event was attended by the representatives of the embassies of more than 10 Spanish-speaking countries, serving as a platform for dialogue among civilizations through cultural and tourism exchanges.

A group photo of the attendees  

[Photo via the China International Book Trading Corporation]

Miguel Lecaro, Ambassador of the Republic of Panama to China, delivers a speech.

[Photo via the China International Book Trading Corporation]

In his remarks, Miguel Lecaro, Ambassador of the Republic of Panama to China, called on countries to use books and magazines as media through which to make their voices heard in a spirit of unity in diversity, to strengthen bridges for cultural, economic and trade cooperation, and to continue to forge closer bonds between peoples.

The event saw the launch of a special Latin American issue of LOOKWE magazine (Chinese-Spanish bilingual edition), which is jointly compiled by the embassies of more than 10 Spanish-speaking countries. Several diplomats hoped that this cultural publication would showcase their countries' distinctive natural scenery, cultural traditions and daily life to Chinese readers, and foster mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of their countries and China.

Ramiro Jose Cruz Flores, Ambassador of the Republic of Nicaragua to China, during an interview

[Photo by Sun Lichen]

During an interview, Ramiro Jose Cruz Flores, Ambassador of the Republic of Nicaragua to China, noted that promoting exchanges between the peoples of the two countries is an important part of his duties as the ambassador. He said the beauty of China he discovered while studying and working in the country was far more vivid than anything that books could convey, and sincerely invited Chinese readers to experience Nicaragua's beautiful scenery firsthand.

José Julio Gómez, Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to China, during an interview

[Photo by Li Jinmei]

José Julio Gómez, Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to China, expressed the hope that books can transcend physical borders, allowing the peoples of the two countries to meet via pages. He believes that the Chinese people's spirit of hard work closely aligns with the qualities his compatriots take pride in, and that this spiritual resonance can serve as an important bridge between the peoples of the two countries.

Roberto Chambi Quique, Chargé d'Affaires of the Plurinational State of Bolivia to China, during an interview

[Photo by Li Jinmei]

Roberto Chambi Quique, Chargé d'Affaires of the Plurinational State of Bolivia to China, remarked that books not only present beauty, but also convey how people live and interact. He looked forward to the creation of more platforms for exchanges of this kind, and wished that books would serve as bridges bringing the two countries closer together.

Photos taken during the event

[Photo via the China International Book Trading Corporation]

The event also featured a book and culture exhibition area for Spanish-speaking countries, showcasing classic literary works, history books, art catalogues, and cultural items from different countries. An immersive cultural experience market was also organized, bringing together Beijing's iconic brands and time-honored Chinese brands such as Century Yili (a producer of bread and other snacks). A dedicated cultural experience zone featured a special tin toy exhibition by the International Bookstore, Chinese New Year paintings (an intangible cultural heritage item), traditional fabric arts and other unique cultural offerings, allowing guests from different countries to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Chinese civilization.