A billboard at the entrance. [Photo/culturalink.gov.cn]

A documentary photo exhibition on the Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro was held at the Capital Library of China in Beijing from June 14-16, to celebrate his 90th birthday on August 13 this year.

The exhibition displayed 87 photos and two videos. The photos were taken by several famous photographers, including Roberto Celi, Raul Corrales, Liborio Noir and José Anglais, over the course of more than five decades. Roberto Celi's works are either portraits or close-ups in military uniform, while Liborio Noir took historic photos of Fidel Castro in the street or surrounded by the masses.

The exhibition was co-hosted by China's Ministry of Culture and the Cuban Embassy to China. The opening day was attended by Vice-Minister of the International Department, Central Committee of CPC Zhou Li, Cuban ambassador to China Alberto Blanco Silva, Vice-Minister of China's Ministry of Culture Ding Wei and his Cuban counterpart Julio Ballester.

Before the opening day, Ding Wei welcomed and met with the visiting Julio Ballester in Beijing. In the meeting, he wished the exhibition a success. He commented that "Fidel Castro is a great leader both in Cuban revolution and the ensuing development. Accordingly, he is loved by Cubans and respected by Chinese." "It is meaningful to have such an exhibition in the Year of Chinese-Latin American Cultural Exchange. China is open to more cultural exchange and cooperation with Cuban. We hope to deepen our friendship towards closer bilateral ties." Ding Wei added. Julio Ballester echoed with Ding, arguing" Cuban values various exchange visits and cooperation with China at governmental, institutional and grassroots level. We promise to make 2016 a banner year. "