First lady seeks increased artistic exchanges with Madrid

Peng Liyuan, wife of President Xi Jinping, called for more artistic exchanges between China and Spain when she visited a theater in downtown Madrid on Wednesday during Xi's state visit to Spain.

Accompanied by Spain's Queen Letizia, Peng listened to an introduction about the history, architectural style and operations of the Teatro Real (Royal Theater).

She later watched a lighting rehearsal for the opera Turandot by Puccini and listened to its classic aria Nessum Dorma before wishing the performers success.

Talking with performers and staff members at the theater, Peng said art knows no borders and is a common language shared by people throughout the world.

She said both China and Spain are major artistic nations with their artists appreciating and drawing from each other, and the good cooperation between the Teatro Real and the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing provides world-class stages for artists to display their talent.

Peng encouraged art circles in both countries to improve exchanges and cooperation to promote mutual understanding and friendship between their peoples.

The Teatro Real, established in 1818, is one of the great theaters in Europe and home to productions involving leading figures from international singing, musical direction, stage direction and dance.