Statues of Lu Xun and Nikos Kazantzakis are unveiled on Crete Island, Greece. [Photo/Tide News]

The unveiling ceremony for statues of Lu Xun and Nikos Kazantzakis took place at the Nikos Kazantzakis Museum on Crete Island, Greece, according to a Tide News report on June 25.

Lu Xun (1881-1936), whose real name was Zhou Shuren, was known for his versatility as a short story writer, essayist, literary critic, and editor. Nikos Kazantzakis (1883-1957) is, in the eyes of many, the best Greek writer of the 20th century. His books represent a major contribution to modern Greek literature.

Chinese Ambassador to Greece Xiao Junzheng said at the ceremony that Lu Xun and Kazantzakis are the literary souls of their ancient nations. Though the two never met, they both used their writing to promote critical thinking, social justice, and human compassion, persistently pursuing freedom and truth.

The "meeting" of Lu Xun and Kazantzakis here symbolizes not only the exchange and collision of ideas and cultures between China and Greece, but also signifies a new chapter in the two peoples' efforts to build a shared future.

Regional Governor of Crete Stavros Arnaoutakis said that literature and culture have built a solid bridge of cooperation and exchange between Greece and China. He welcomed the statue of Lu Xun and Kazantzakis to Crete, expressing belief that the "spiritual dialogue" between these two literary giants will continue to inspire the people of both nations.