Cui Yuying: Cultural cooperation builds mutual trust

Cultural cooperation among countries along the Belt and Road will increase friendship, enhance mutual understanding and trust, and lay a solid foundation for economic development, said Cui Yuying, deputy head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee.

Cui, who is also vice minister of the State Council Information Office, made the remark during the opening ceremony of the Second Silk Road International Cultural Expo in northwestern China's Dunhuang, Gansu Province on Sept. 20.

The Belt and Road Initiative, which was proposed by President Xi Jinping in 2013, has greatly enhanced exchanges of various civilizations, and has been hailed as China's vision on global governance as well as peace and development, she said.

"Today, as we gather at the intersection of the world's four major civilizations to hold this event, the ancient silk route is unleashing new dynamism and vitality," she said.

Themed on "Promoting Cultural Exchange and Cooperation, Creating a Better Future," the expo, which is in its second year, has drawn some 124 delegates from 51 countries and three international and regional organizations as they showcase their outstanding cultural achievements and discuss exchange and cooperation plans.

Cultural development calls for more exchanges, inclusiveness and mutual learning, she said. "Only with the spirit of 'extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits,' can each country achieve common development based on mutual understanding and mutual learning."