African art and currencies and stamps are the focus of two exhibitions which have opened at the National Museum of China in Beijing. 

On the occasion of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation the event attracted more than 200 senior officials from African countries. China's Vice Cultural Minister Meng Xiaosi explained the exhibitions open a window for Chinese people to get to know Africa.

"This is the chance for us to appreciate African culture up close," observed the Vice Cultural Minister. "We'd like to make this expo an excellent opportunity to further promote cultural exchanges between China and Africa."

The ten-day African art exhibition features more than 300 pieces of traditional handcrafts including wood carvings, paintings and woven straw products. There's over 400 notes and coins from 48 African countries on display at the currency and stamp expo.

(Xinhua News Agency November 3, 2006)