Visitors are seen at a promotional event devoted to the history and culture of Jilin province in northeastern China, in Brussels, Belgium, on April 9, 2019. The promotional event was hosted by the China Cultural Center in Brussels on April 9, featuring traditional art, a photo exhibition and dance performances. (Xinhua/Zhang Cheng)

BRUSSELS, April 10 (Xinhua) -- A promotional event devoted to the history and culture of Jilin province in northeastern China was hosted by the China Cultural Center in Brussels on April 9, featuring traditional art, a photo exhibition and dance performances.

As the Belt and Road Initiative continues to deepen appreciation and understanding of Chinese culture in Belgium, the cultural soiree was organized in the Belgian capital's central district to celebrate the snowy province of Jilin.

Chinese Ambassador to Belgium Cao Zhongming, Jilin Province Communication Department head Wang Xiaoping, and former Belgian Minister of State Jaak Gabriels were among the participants, along with more than 140 Chinese and foreign guests.

In his speech, Cao Zhongming said that with the active promotion of Sino-Belgian cooperation in the context of the Belt and Road Initiative, tourism has become and will continue to be a vital component of bilateral relations.

According to Gabriels, cultural exchanges are essential for deepening mutual understanding and bringing people together, and they also play an important role in promoting economic development.