A special exhibition commemorating the 620th anniversary of Chinese navigator Zheng He's voyages was opened on Friday in Jakarta, capital city of Indonesia.
The voyages, led by Zheng, also an ambassador in China's Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD), brought silk, porcelain and tea to Indonesia, sowing seeds of friendship and trust between the two countries.
The exhibition, held at the Museum of Fine Arts and Ceramics in Jakarta, features ancient books, shipbuilding tools, navigation charts, archival footage, and rare footage about the voyages, systematically presenting the grand scenes of Zheng He's maritime expeditions, the prosperity of the ancient Maritime Silk Road, the cultural exchanges and mutual learning between China and Indonesia, and the new chapter of jointly building the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.
This year also marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Indonesia, and the 70th anniversary of the Bandung Conference.
Held at this historic moment, the exhibition not only pays tribute to the long-standing exchanges between the two nations but also preserves and disseminates the concept of peaceful development, said Zhou Kan, an envoy of the Chinese Embassy in Indonesia, during the opening ceremony, adding that it reflects the shared aspiration of China and Indonesia to advance mutual learning between civilizations and deepen people-to-people exchanges in the new era.
Co-organized by the Chinese Association for International Understanding, the Chinese embassy in Indonesia, and the China Zheng He Research Association, the one-month exhibition is jointly hosted by the Shanghai Art Collection Museum, the China Maritime Museum and Jakarta's Museum of Fine Arts and Ceramics.
Exhibition held in Indonesia to commemorate Chinese explorer Zheng He's epic voyages
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
