China chosen as guest country of Europalia 2009

BRUSSELS, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- China has been chosen as the guest country of Europalia 2009, the Chinese ambassador to Belgium said here on Wednesday.

Under consensus between the Belgian King Albert II and Chinese President Hu Jintao back in 2005, Europalia 2009 chose China as the primary guest country, said Chinese ambassador Zhang Qiyue and Kristine De Mulder, director general of Europalia International.

The biennial cultural and artistic event, to be held between September 2009 and February 2010, is a great opportunity to showcase China's cultural heritage and modern achievements, Zhang told a press conference.

Former Belgian ambassador to China, Claire Kirschen, who has been tasked to plan the event for the Belgian side, said there are so many activities to choose from given the richness of the Chinese culture.

Europalia, a major cultural and arts festival in Europe, has been held every two years in Belgium since 1969, featuring the culture and arts of a selected guest country.