China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Tuesday launched a series of activities to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Historic Center of Macao being inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Designated on July 15, 2005, at the 29th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Durban, South Africa, the Macao's Historic District embodies over four centuries of maritime history and cultural fusion.
On Tuesday, an opening ceremony for the 20th anniversary was held at Dom Pedro V Theatre, during which celebratory postal products were unveiled, alongside the launch of a study tour focused on exploring world heritages.
A new book on Macao's Historic District was also released on the same day.
"Taking the anniversary as an opportunity, we hope to summarize our heritage conservation efforts over the past two decades and share them with citizens and visitors. More importantly, we aim to encourage the public to safeguard and pay greater attention to our world heritage sites," said Leong Wai Man, director of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR Government.
Approximately 50 celebratory activities are planned from July 15 through December.
Macao launches activities to celebrate 20th anniversary of Historic Center's World Heritage listing
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
