The 2024 Mayors Exchange Conference on Maritime Silk Road City Influence

Topic 4: Cultural Theme

Harmonious Coexistence:

Deepening Exchange and Mutual Learning

for Joint Protection and Inheritance of Cultural Heritage

Wenzhou, 30 November 2024

Address by Ambassador Hisham El-Zimaity

Egyptian Council of Foreign Affairs,

Egypt-China Friendship Association,

Former Assistant Foreign Minister of Egypt

It is a great honor to address such a distinguished gathering in the beautiful city of Wenzhou. I extend my heartfelt thanks to our gracious hosts, Xinhua News Agency, for their warm reception and exceptional organization of this conference.

Cultural heritage is the soul of a nation and a vital bridge between civilizations. From the Pyramids of Egypt to the Great Wall of China, from the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum to the majestic Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an, from the oral traditions of nomadic peoples mastering the desert to the profound knowledge of Chinese traditional medicine, our shared cultural treasures reflect the boundless richness of human creativity, resilience, and identity.

Yet, these invaluable legacies face ever-growing threats. Urbanization, and regional conflicts have endangered our heritage—including archaeological sites, mosques, and cathedrals— as seen in Palmyra and Aleppo in Syria, Baalbek in Lebanon, throughout Gaza-Palestine, and in the old city of Sana’a in Yemen. Similarly, acts of terrorism have harmed priceless treasures such as those in the Islamic Museum of Cairo, in Timbuktu, Mali, and in Mosul, Iraq. Protecting, restoring, and preserving these irreplaceable treasures demands concerted international collaboration.

Harmony and coexistence are the cornerstones of these efforts. They remind us that, while our cultures differ in language, religion, and tradition, we are united by shared values: tolerance, respect for humanity, desire for peace, and commitment to understanding. To protect cultural heritage, we must embody these values and foster global cooperation. This is where cultural exchange and mutual learning become crucial, highlighting the enduring relevance of alliances among ancient civilizations, including Egypt, China and others. In this regard, the handicrafts and silk embroideries from the beautiful city of Wenzhou reached and influenced the Middle East.

Exchange involves sharing knowledge, technology, and best practices, bringing together experts worldwide to document endangered heritage, train local communities, and develop tools for restoration. Mutual learning means acknowledging that every culture has wisdom to offer and lessons to share. By appreciating diverse perspectives, we enrich our approaches to safeguarding heritage. For example, the sustainable practices of indigenous peoples in land and resource management offer valuable insights for conserving natural and cultural sites.

Preservation is not just about monuments and artifacts—it is about ensuring cultural heritage thrives as a living tradition. This requires engaging younger generations with their roots while fostering an appreciation for the diversity of others. Festivals, educational exchanges, and digital platforms play transformative roles in this endeavor. Technology, in particular, is a powerful enabler, allowing us to digitize ancient manuscripts, virtually reconstruct lost sites, and share cultures across borders, breaking down barriers of geography and accessibility.

The Maritime Silk Road offers a remarkable example of cultural exchange. For over 2,000 years, it connected civilizations, fostering commerce, dialogue, and mutual enrichment. Its legacy can be understood through several key contributions:

          1.       Cultural Trade: Goods such as silk, ceramics, spices, and precious metals carried cultural significance, influencing local traditions. For instance, Chinese porcelain shaped pottery styles in the Islamic world and Europe, while Egyptian motifs reached as far as China.

          2.       Religious Exchange: Religions such as Islam and  Christianity, spread along maritime routes. Buddhism traveled from India to East and Southeast Asia, while Islam flourished in Southeast Asia, and Christian traders introduced their faith to coastal regions, fostering interfaith dialogue.

          3.       Technological Innovation: Maritime routes facilitated the exchange of navigation tools like the astrolabe and compass, as well as agricultural practices such as the spread of sugarcane from South Asia to the Mediterranean.

          4.       Cultural Fusion: Unique architectural styles, cuisines, and artistic motifs emerged in ports like Malacca and Zanzibar, reflecting the blending of Chinese, Arab, and Indian influences.

          5.       Artistic and Literary Exchange: Motifs, music, and literature traveled widely. Islamic geometric patterns influenced Chinese ceramics, while Southeast Asian folklore absorbed Indian epic traditions.

          6.       Cosmopolitan Hubs: Key ports like Guangzhou, Wenzhou, Malacca, Suez, and Alexandria became melting pots where merchants, scholars, and artisans exchanged ideas, goods, and knowledge.

          7.       Peaceful Interaction: Unlike land routes, often disrupted by conflicts, maritime exchanges relied on trust and cooperation, fostering diplomatic and cultural ties.

Therefore, preserving cultural heritage is a pathway to peace. History demonstrates that joint efforts to safeguard heritage can heal divides, foster dialogue, and prevent conflicts. The collaborative restoration of the Bamiyan Buddha statues in Afghanistan is a testament to this potential.

In the Middle East, we are taught to seek knowledge, as far away as China. We view the Maritime Silk Road not just as a trade network but as a transformative force connecting distant civilizations, enriching humanity’s shared cultural heritage, and laying the foundation for today’s interconnected world.

In March 2023, President Xi Jinping introduced the Global Civilization Initiative, emphasizing respect for cultural diversity, shared human values, and enhanced people-to-people exchanges. Reflecting this vision, the United Nations General Assembly, in June 2024, adopted a China-proposed resolution establishing June 10th as the International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations. This milestone underscores China’s commitment to fostering intercultural understanding.

To conclude, I sincerely hope that governments, organizations, and individuals alike will deepen their commitments to cultural exchange and mutual learning. By doing so, we ensure the survival of our cultural heritage and its power to inspire harmony, coexistence, tolerance and a brighter future for all.

Thank you for your kind attention.