Ms. Janet Carding, Director & CEO of the Royal Ontario Museum,

Mr. Wang Yamin, Deputy Director of the Palace Museum,

Hon. Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario,

Hon. Senator Victor Oh,

Mr. Fang Li, Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Toronto,

Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends,

It gives me great pleasure to witness the grand opening of the highly anticipated exhibition, The Forbidden City: Inside the Court of China's Emperors.

This exhibition is the highlight of the series of cultural exchanges this year, and also one of the most important cultural events between our two countries in recent years.

I'd like to take this opportunity to offer my warm congratulations to the Palace Museum and Royal Ontario Museum, who together brought this exhibition to Canada.

The Palace Museum, built on the Forbidden City which has a history of around 600 years, is now the most precious one of its kind in China and a must-see site for visitors to Beijing.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Mrs. Harper visited China twice, and each time when they were in Beijing, they paid a visit to the Place Museum.

This exhibition provides an opportunity for more Canadian people to learn about China's long history and its splendid traditional culture.

Viewed from 5000 years of Chinese civilization, the history of the Ming and Qing dynasties was only a comparatively short period of time.

Only by drawing on the legacy of previous civilization could the two dynasties create their own magnificent culture.

And only with the continuation and development of the Chinese civilization and the rich cultural heritage left over could it be possible for China to develop with such a rapid speed today.

In this sense, this exhibition will be helpful for the Canadians to have better knowledge of China, which has both ancient civilization and long-lasting vitality.

This exhibition tells us that we should treat cultural differences with a more open and inclusive attitude.

There is no doubt that differences exist between Chinese history and culture and those of West countries.

It is these differences that have made our world more colorful.

In fact, the history of mankind is one in which different civilizations developed side by side through mutual exchanges and learning from each other.

Meanwhile, the historical and cultural differences between China and the West have also left us with different values.

And only by respecting and appreciating our differences can we build a harmonious world.

This exhibition will definitely promote the mutual understanding and friendship between our two peoples.

Cultural exchanges serve as the best bridge to connect our minds.

In recent years, China and Canada have frequently carried out cultural events of various forms, which have contributed to the fast development our bilateral relations and narrowing the distance between the peoples.

In 2010, the Terracotta Army Exhibition, held also at this museum, caused quite a stir in Canada.

Last year, the National Ballet of China and the National Arts Centre Orchestra of Canada respectively made a performance tour in each other's country, and both were warmly welcomed by the audience.

Last month, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, together with some famous Chinese musicians and singers, held one very successful concert in celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year.

Later this year, the China National Centre for the Performing Arts Orchestra, one of China's best orchestras, will also make a tour in Canada.

I believe that today's exhibition, with the treasures of the Palace Museum presenting here for the first time, will for sure push the cultural exchanges between our two countries to a new level.

Ladies and gentlemen,

By holding this historic exhibition this year, we would also like to extend our sincere congratulations to Royal Ontario Museum, as 2014 marks the centenary of its opening.

I am sure it will be a memorable story about the cooperation between the two top museums of our two countries.

And it is also the true manifestation of the friendship between our two peoples.

I do hope Royal Ontario Museum can organize an exhibition in China in the near future, so that the Chinese people can have the chance to view its treasured collections.

Finally, I wish the exhibition-The Forbidden City: Inside the Court of China's Emperors a great success.

Thank you all.