ATHENS, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- The international seminar on "The Formation of Classical Literary and Artistic Works in Chinese and Western Civilizations" was held in Athens on Thursday, bringing together more than 60 Chinese and foreign experts to discuss the comparative study, dissemination, and development of literary classics from both civilizations.
Athanasios Cheimonas, deputy mayor of Athens and a writer, said both Greece and China have long-standing civilizations and unique artistic traditions, with similar expressions of emotion and cultural traits observable in daily life.
"This event reflects the practical significance of cultural exchange. It is not a symbolic gesture, but a genuine encounter and understanding," he said, adding that he hopes young people, scholars, and art professionals from both countries will build deeper and lasting cooperation.
Ding Guoqi, director of the Institute of Literature at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said the formation of classical literary works in China and the West results from cross-civilizational dialogue and mutual learning. Greek and Chinese literature explore human nature, destiny, and society in different ways, yet share a common spiritual pursuit that gives these works lasting value.
He emphasized that classics are not frozen relics, but living traditions continuously revitalized through theater, film, and digital media.
The seminar was jointly organized by the Institute of Literature of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and the Chinese Classical Civilization Research Institute, aiming to promote Chinese literary classics internationally and strengthen academic dialogue between China and other countries. ■