Chinese Consul General in Houston Li Qiangmin delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of an art exhibition event in Houston, Texas, the United States, Jan. 5, 2019. An art exhibition commemorating the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United States kicked off Saturday in Houston. The six-day exhibition displays precious photos showing the historical stages and important achievements of Sino-U.S. relations over the past 40 years. The exhibition was also held to celebrate the 120th anniversary of famous Chinese artist Zhang Daqian's birth. Dozens of replicas of Zhang's works, as well as art pieces by American and Chinese artists, are exhibited. (Xinhua/Liu Liwei)

HOUSTON, Jan. 5 (Xinhua) -- An art exhibition commemorating the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United States kicked off Saturday in Houston, the fourth largest city in the United States.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Chinese Consul General in Houston Li Qiangmin said cultural exchange would effectively enhance the mutual understanding and friendship between China and the United States, calling for more cooperation between the two nations.

"We must strengthen communication and mutual trust, focus on cooperation, carefully mediate our differences, and address economic and trade frictions through negotiations," Li said.

At the ceremony, the president of Rice University David Leebron talked about the importance of the bilateral relations between the United States and China.

"When we celebrate relationship today, we celebrate something very important for both of our countries, for our cultures, education, for business and for the safety and prosperity of the world," he said.

The six-day exhibition displays precious photos showing the historical stages and important achievements of Sino-U.S. relations over the past 40 years.

The exhibition was also held to celebrate the 120th anniversary of famous Chinese artist Zhang Daqian's birth. Dozens of replicas of Zhang's works, as well as art pieces by American and Chinese artists, are exhibited.

The event was co-sponsored by American Chinese Cultural Exchange Association in Houston and several organizations in the city.