Two Chinese and Greek publishers will publish and distribute two children's books in both countries in a cultural exchange project.

(From right to left) Eugenios Trivizas, Qin Wenjun, Maria Koutsioumpa (cultural exchange projects coordinator), and Pan Kaixiong (director of People's literature publishing house), sign the agreement for Sino-Greek publication close collaboration at Yu Yang Hotel, Beijing, on August 31.[China.org.cn]

The project is part of China's national reading program to introduce foreign books to Chinese children, parents and teachers.

Famous Chinese author Qin Wenjun and Greek author Eugenios Trivizas will each write a book that will be illustrated by an artist from the other country. The two books will be printed in both languages and published simultaneously in China and Greece next July.

"We choose Greece as the first partner to start the reading program because both China and Greece are two ancient civilizations with a history of more than 5,000 years," said Nie Zhenning, president of the China Publishing Group.

Greek Secretary General of Tourism George Poussaios said the program will lay a foundation for stronger cultural ties between China and Greece. "Literature can build bridges of communication among different peoples, cultures and traditions," Poussaios said, adding that the country will promote bilateral cooperation with China in other ways as well.

Qin said her book will be an exciting and moving story and serve as a guide for children, "like a flower blooming in their heart."

Trivizas agreed that children's books are important for instilling new ideas and principles in children. "Books help children to form their values, their models and standards," he said.

He said that this cultural exchange project is the best way to link Chinese and Greek culture.