Inauguration of the China-themed International Editorial Office in Türkiye and signing of 'In Yili' copyright agreement

On November 14, 2024, the inauguration ceremony for the China-themed International Editorial Office in Türkiye and the signing of the copyright agreement for the book In Yili were successfully held in Beijing. The event was organized under the guidance of China Publishing Group Co., Ltd. (CPG) and hosted by China National Publications Import and Export (Group) Co., Ltd. (CNPIEC).

Notable attendees included Chang Bo, President of CPG; Zhang Hong, Vice President of CPG; Li Hongwen, CEO of CNPIEC; Ece Ceylanoğlu, Representative of the Turkish Ambassador to China and Counselor at the Turkish Embassy; Haluk Hepkon, President of Kırmızı Kedi Publishing House; Kamil Erdoğdu, Editor of the Chinese Library at Kırmızı Kedi Publishing House; and Giray Fidan, Sinologist and Professor at Ankara University. Lin Liying, President of CNPIEC, served as the event host.

In his remarks, Zhang Hong highlighted the significance of the editorial office as a strategic step in CPG's internationalization efforts. Co-established by CNPIEC and Kırmızı Kedi Publishing House, the initiative aims to bring outstanding Chinese works to Turkish readers in a more localized format. Zhang emphasized that the project will foster mutual understanding and cultural exchange between Chinese and Turkish civilizations, strengthening the foundation for strategic cooperation between the two nations.

Ece Ceylanoğlu, on behalf of Turkish Ambassador İsmail Hakkı Musa, conveyed warm congratulations and read the ambassador's written address. Ambassador Musa lauded the progress in cultural exchanges between China and Türkiye, crediting close collaboration between publishing institutions in both countries. He noted that the earlier Memorandum of Understanding on the Mutual Translation and Publication of Classic Works had laid the groundwork for further initiatives, with the editorial office and copyright agreements serving as critical supplements. He expressed optimism for deeper cooperation in the future.

Li Hongwen, CEO of CNPIEC, underscored the company's commitment to promoting China-Türkiye cultural exchanges. She shared that CNPIEC has fostered long-standing partnerships with over ten Turkish cultural institutions, enabling the translation and publication of more than 20 Chinese books in Türkiye. The new editorial office, she stated, marks a significant milestone in the collaboration with Kırmızı Kedi Publishing House and promises to inject fresh energy into bilateral cultural exchange.

Haluk Hepkon, President of Kırmızı Kedi Publishing House, expressed gratitude to CPG and CNPIEC for their thorough preparations. He remarked that the collaboration is especially valuable amid today's complex global landscape. With a strong foundation of cooperation between Kırmızı Kedi and Chinese publishing institutions, the new editorial office represents an exciting new chapter. Hepkon also expressed his enthusiasm for the Turkish publication of In Yili and hopes to explore additional opportunities for collaboration through this platform.

The ceremony culminated with the joint signing of the cooperation agreement for the "China-Themed International Editorial Office in Türkiye" and the copyright agreement for the Turkish edition of In Yili. Witnessed by Chang Bo and Ece Ceylanoğlu, the agreements marked a new era of cultural exchange.

Looking ahead, the editorial office will serve as a vital platform for promoting the translation and dissemination of cultural works between the two countries, enhancing mutual understanding and friendship. The Turkish edition of In Yili, authored by renowned Chinese writer Wang Meng, will offer Turkish readers an opportunity to delve into Chinese literature and experience the richness of Chinese culture.