A Brazilian art show revealing Brazil's archaeological and anthropological finds in the Amazonia region opened at the Palace Museum of the Forbidden City in Beijing Tuesday.

Chinese President Hu Jintao and visiting Brazilian President Lula both sent congratulation messages to the art show -- Amazonia: Native Traditions. The show is part of the activities marking the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Brazil.

Brazilian President Lula and Chinese State Councilor Chen Zhili presided over the inauguration of the art show Tuesday.

Hu said in his message that Brazil's Indian culture is one of the treasures of Brazil's national culture, and also a valuable heritage of mankind.

He said to strengthen cultural exchanges between different peoples will help promote world peace and development. The opening of the Brazilian art show in China will offer a good chance for people in China to learn about Brazil's Indian culture and for increasing mutual understanding and friendship between the Chinese and Brazilian peoples.

Hu said he believed the art show will also promote China-Brazil cultural exchanges as well as bilateral cooperation in other areas.

Hu expressed his hopes that Chinese visitors will learn from the Brazilian art show the cultural diversity of humanity, further understand the importance of protecting the global ecological environment, and love the globe as the habitat of humankind as well as the colorful cultures of humanity more than ever.

Lula said in his message that Brazil and China are making joint efforts to develop bilateral friendly ties.

He said, besides expanding economic cooperation, scientific exchanges, bilateral and multi-lateral political consultation, Brazil and China will further strengthen their cultural exchanges to consolidate bilateral ties, so as to balance the turbulent world.

(Xinhua News Agency May 26, 2004)