Visitors to the opening ceremony of the 2010 China Tibet Culture Week in Madrid, Spain, stop at the display of “Tangka” (paintings on silk and cloth).

MADRID - The "2010 China Tibetan Culture Week" was launched here Monday with an exhibition of traditional paintings and colorful pictures of Tibet.

Dong Yunhu, deputy director of the Chinese State Council Information Office, said it was the first time a cultural event on Tibet was held in Spain and it was also an important moment of cultural exchanges between Spain and China.

"I believe the culture week will provide a rare opportunity for Spanish people to get a close look at Tibet, its culture, people and development," Dong said.

The 10-day "2010 China Tibetan Culture Week," also celebrated in Valencia, will also see several events featuring Tibetan music and dance as well as exchanges with tibetologists and specialists in traditional Tibetan medicine.

Josus Osuna, chairman of the Spanish Association of Friends of China, said at the opening ceremony that Spanish people have strong interests in Tibet, but their knowledge about the land was limited.

He said he believed the cultural event will open a window for the Spanish people, helping them improve understanding about Tibet.

He added that he hoped Spain and China could improve cooperation and mutual understanding through cultural exchanges.

The 2010 Chinese Tibetan Culture Week is co-sponsored by the Chinese State Council Information Office, the government of the Tibet Autonomous Region and the Chinese embassy in Spain.