On the afternoon of February 23, 2011, Premier Wen Jiabao arrived at Capital Museum where he attended the opening ceremony of the EU-China Year of Youth together with more than 500 Chinese and European youth and EU diplomats in China.
The museum hall was immersed in a joyous atmosphere. Wen inaugurated the official website of the EU-China Year of Youth and delivered a speech. He said that the event is the first theme year jointly launched by both sides since China and EU established diplomatic ties and the largest ever cultural exchange program between the two sides. It belongs to the youth and indicates that China-EU relations will become more dynamic and be full of hope.
He pointed out that China and EU stand at the critical moment of deepening cooperation. How to share opportunities, cope with challenges together and seek common development is important issue to the welfare of the Chinese and EU people and the future of the world. The youth should think about and explore the correct answer jointly. Young people yearn towards communication, understanding and friendship and their hearts are linked together. To sow the seeds of China-EU friendly cooperation in the heart of each youth, we will be able to join hands and stride forward against any difficulties and our road of cooperation and road of friendship will get broader.
He hopes that young people look at and understand the world always in an objective, positive and developing perspective, are brave enough to pursue truth and always promote peace and progress; respect and trust each other and learn from each other in the spirit of sincerity, inclusiveness and openness; face up to difficulties, make explorations and innovations, try to outperform the predecessors and create a better future of China-EU relations.
The video speech of President of the European Commission Barroso was played at the opening ceremony. Lu Hao, President of the Chinese Organizing Committee of the EU-China Year of Youth and First Secretary of Secretariat of the Communist Youth League Central Committee and EU representatives addressed the event respectively. Chinese and EU young artists presented performances.
Jointly initiated by the Chinese and EU leaders, the EU-China Year of Youth is co-organized by the Communist Youth League Central Committee, All-China Youth Federation and the European Commission. Exchange activities will be held in China and 27 EU members in order to enhance the mutual understanding and friendship between youth of the two sides and promote the healthy, sustained and vigorous development of China-EU relations.