
On 3 July 2024, H.E. Ambassador Zheng Zeguang attended the premiere of the documentary In the Footsteps of Marco Polo at invitation. Mr Stanley Johnson and Mr Max Johnson, the two protagonists in the film, Dr Vishwajeet Rana, head of one of the sponsors GEDU Global Education, Ms Dale Templer, head of the British production team from One Tribe TV, and about 260 guests from various circles in the UK were present at the event. In his remarks, Ambassador Zheng expressed congratulations on the successful launch of the film, pointing out that it is a story about pursuing dreams, China-UK collaboration and cultural exchanges. Mr Stanley Johnson never gave up on his dream which finally came true after 62 years of pursuit. His ambition to understand China and his persistence in pursuing his dream are admirable. And the film’s successful launch was possible also because of the close cooperation between the relevant parties from China and the UK and their elaborate efforts. Ambassador Zheng said that seeing is believing. By following in the footsteps of Marco Polo, Mr Stanley Johnson saw with his own eye the magnificent landscapes and colourful culture of China, met the people of the country, and witnessed the accomplishments made by the People’s Republic over the 75 years since its founding. He welcomed more British friends to follow in the footsteps of Marco Polo and Mr Stanley Johnson, travel to China, and get a better understanding of the real China. The Chinese Embassy in the UK will as always support and facilitate cultural and personnel exchanges between China and the UK. Mr Stanley Johnson, Mr Max Johnson, Ms Dale Templar and others thanked the Chinese government and institutions including the CCTV Documentary International Media for giving strong support for them to complete their dream journey, saying that the film presents a charming, real China to all, and hoped that it can build a bridge for exchange and mutual understanding between China and the West, just like the story of Marco Polo. The audience were deeply attracted by the beautiful scenery and splendid culture of China shown in the film, and expressed their hope to visit China and see the real China in person. 
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