On the morning of April 10, 2019 local time, Premier Li Keqiang and Prime Minister Andrej Plenković of Croatia attended and addressed the opening ceremony of the Year of Culture and Tourism between China and Croatia at Klovićevi Dvori Gallery in Zagreb.

Congratulating China and Croatia on jointly holding such an event for the first time, Li Keqiang said the two countries enjoy time-honored history, rich and colorful culture, and picturesque natural scenery. The two peoples enjoy a long-standing history of exchanges, which not only deepens the friendship between the two peoples, but also promotes cultural communication and mutual learning between East and West.

Li Keqiang pointed out that the Chinese government supports the two countries in expanding tourism cooperation. Last year, 250,000 Chinese tourists visited Croatia. We hope that, when conditions are ripe, the two countries can open direct flights in accordance with market and commercial rules to make it easier for people to travel between the two countries. It is believed that Croatia will attract more and more Chinese tourists, and more Croatian friends are also welcome to visit China.

Li Keqiang expected to attend the 8th Summit between China and Central and Eastern European Countries in Dubrovnik, a renowned city of history and culture, tomorrow, and to work with leaders of the 16 countries of Central and Eastern Europe to promote the 16+1 cooperation to march towards deeper levels and broader areas.

Andrej Plenković said that the Croatian people hold friendly feelings towards the Chinese people, and are strongly interested in the rich and colourful Chinese culture and the time-honoured Chinese civilization. Premier Li Keqiang's visit this time is a trip of friendship and cooperation. The Year of Culture and Tourism between Croatia and China will further deepen the two sides' friendship and bring the hearts of the two peoples closer. The Croatian side stands ready to work with the Chinese side to promote practical cooperation in fields including culture and tourism so as to lift the levels of bilateral cooperation.

Afterwards, Premier Li Keqiang and Prime Minister Andrej Plenković inaugurated the Year of Culture and Tourism and visited an exhibition of cultural relics held by National Museum of China.

Wang Yi and He Lifeng attended the activity.