A photo exhibition named Malta through Chinese Eyes launched at Auberge D'Italie, Malta Tourism Authority, in Valletta on 25th January and will keep open to the public till 3rd March, 2011. The exhibition kicked off the Spring Festival 2011 celebration activities in Malta. The show features a collection of about 60 photos taken by Chinese diplomatic officials and Chinese nationals living in Malta.

"My passion for photography has already accompanied me through my diplomatic career for 35 years. The hobby makes my life overseas full of colour, and meanwhile, allows me to have a deeper understanding of those countries," Zhang Keyuan, Chinese ambassador to Malta who supported the show with more than 30 photos he had taken, said at the opening ceremony of the exhibition. He hoped the exhibition would show Malta the friendship and enthusiasm of the Chinese people and deepen the countries' mutual understanding, and more importantly, enhance tourism from China.

Malta is a popular international tourist spot due to its recreational repose and historical monuments and provides ample subjects for photographers. Sino-Malta relationship has developed significantly in recent years. Today over 600 Chinese people live in Malta, and they have become part of the local life through fostering human interaction.

Mario De Marco, the Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, the Environment and Culture, welcomed the photo exhibition and believed it would play a positive role in promoting Malta tourism.

The exhibition is organized by the Chinese Cultural Center, founded in 2003 which serves as a catalyst in the development of cultural ties and promoting cultural exchanges hosting various exhibitions and performances. In addition to the photo exhibition, the Culture Center has planned a series of activities in Valletta, including a charity auction of Chinese handcrafts, street parades and performances by Chinese artists.