Taking a page from Europe's book to prosperity

After holding intensive political meetings, engaging in lively exchanges with young football and ice hockey players, and signing cooperation documents during his March 28-30 visit to the Czech Republic, President Xi Jinping and his Czech counterpart Milos Zeman visited the 850-year-old Strahov Library in Prague. After being introduced by the museum curator to the collections on Chinese-Czech exchanges dating back to 300-500 years, the two presidents stepped onto the veranda to get a bird's eye view of Prague while sipping their farewell beer.

Shortly after Xi left for Washington to attend the Nuclear Security Summit, I too had the chance to visit the stunningly magnificent library, which consists of the Philosophical Hall, which houses the Czech-language collection on Confucius and the early comprehensive introduction to China, and the Theological Hall with stuccoes and paintings. The books on China, some of which are original manuscripts, were mostly written by missionaries during their stay in or after their return from China hundreds of years ago.

Jan Parez, curator of the library's manuscript section who was responsible for preparing the items for Xi, said the president has a deep understanding of and respect for Czech society and culture. Thanks to Parez, I had the privilege to visit the two halls, which are now open to tourists, and enjoy the panoramic view of Prague and soak in the glory of the place where the two presidents drank their farewell beer.