The Chinese farmers' paintings exhibition kicked off on Wednesday in Suva, capital of Fiji, winning praise from both Fijian and Chinese guests.

During a grand opening ceremony held in the China Cultural Center, Chinese Ambassador Qian Bo said China and Fiji have developed a good relationship for many years and received fruitful achievements of bilateral cooperation in various fields. The cultural exchange programs increase the understanding and friendship between the two peoples.

Under the guidance of building a community with a shared future for mankind and the Belt and Road Initiative featured with mutual respect and common development, China and Fiji are supposed to assume a long-term perspective to explore more cooperation opportunities, the ambassador said.

For her part, Fiji's Minister for Education, Heritage and Arts Rosy Akbar praised the works of Chinese farmers, saying that "it provides us the opportunity to understand each our respective cultures, to share similarities and appreciate differences, and to strengthen the strong bond between the Fijian and the Chinese people."

Deng Xianfu, director of the China Cultural Center in Fiji, said the 40 pieces of Chinese farmers' paintings are inspired by the water town of Xiuzhou, Jiaxing of Zhejiang Province. Each work captures the economic prosperity, the rich material civilization, and the colourful folk culture of people from the region.

"We hope that with the two-way cultural exchange, both Chinese and Fijian people can understand each other better and deepen the friendship between us," he said.

Miao Huixin, one of the farmer artists, told Xinhua that it is the first time for him to show such paintings in South Pacific island nations like Fiji.

"I am very glad that I, along with my colleagues, can do something to promote the mutual understanding between the two peoples through our works. I believe that the exhibition can provide a wonderful opportunity for Fijian and Chinese artists and people to exchange ideas and appreciate Chinese folk art."

The 15-day Romance of Soil exhibition is organized by the China Cultural Center in Fiji and China Arts and Entertainment Group Ltd.