Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong delivers the congratulatory letter sent by President Xi Jinping to the First Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo. [Photo/Xinhua]

Written by Xi Jinping

On the occasion of the opening of the First Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo, I hereby, on behalf of the Chinese government and people, and in my own name, would like to extend warm congratulations on the Cultural Expo and express sincere welcome to all the distinguished guests and friends from different countries present at the Cultural Expo.

Over 2,000 years ago, the ancient Silk Road connecting Asia with Europe served as an important bridge for friendly exchanges and civilization communications between the East and West. In the history, Dunhuang was the significant hub of cultural interactions between the East and West. Here different cultures converged and integrated, shaping the unique Dunhuang Culture with great charms. The history proves that mutual learning and common progress of all national cultures around the world are the basic features of human civilization as well as the driving force of its theme, the Cultural Expo will provide a significant platform for cooperation and interaction among the countries along the Silk Road. We should insist on diversity and coexistence, mutual learning and common progress, cooperation and mutual benefit, to strengthen cultural exchange, promote cultural equality, protect cultural heritage, enhance cultural innovation and reinforce cultural cooperation, to help more people enjoy the rich and colorful cultures created by the human beings, and to make the world a better place.