Chair of the forum Cesare Romiti, president of Italy-China Foundation, echoed Bondi, saying the convention of the forum "is of great significance as it gives us an opportunity to know Tibet better."

It would not only promote bilateral ties and enhance mutual understanding of each other's culture and tradition, but also bring about a chance for future economic cooperation between Italy and China.

Former Italian Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti addresses the opening ceremony of the Second Forum on Tibet, in Rome, Italy, Oct. 22, 2009.

More than 20 Chinese and foreign government officials, experts, scholars and entrepreneurs will address the forum on opportunities for cooperation in the economic, social and cultural sectors.

Former Italian Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti also addressed the opening ceremony of the forum, saying that to increase understanding of each other's culture and tradition at a time of globalization "is of increasingly important".

Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini, who was unable to attend the event because of government duties, sent a letter to the meeting, congratulating the forum.

The multilateral international academic forum is jointly sponsored by the State Council Information Office of China, Italy-China Foundation of Italy and the Chinese embassy in Italy.

It is the second of its kind. The first was held in Vienna in November 2007.

Paintings and drawings by Han and Tibetan artists on Tibetan scenery and customs will be exhibited in the Italian capital and Milan.

Altogether, seven Chinese artists, including four Tibetans, led by Vice president of China Federation of Literacy and Art Circles Feng Yuan have come to the forum.

They will display their works of art at Snow-Covered Plateau --Chinese Painting Works Exhibition, organized by China's State Council Information Office and Artists Association.

The exhibition in Rome will start on Friday and last for one week with 60 paintings on display.

In Milan, the week-long show will open on Oct. 26 with 58 paintings on display.

Editor: Feng Hui