Representatives from the Great Wall's Jiayu Pass section in northwest China's Gansu Province and Petra ancient city in Jordan agreed to establish a sister relationship for the two world cultural heritage sites in Beijing on Thursday.
Discussion on establishing the sister site relationship occurred over three years. The agreement will promote economic, cultural and tourism cooperation and exchange between the two countries.
"The connection between the two sites -- both were important posts along the ancient Silk Road -- will further encourage the interaction of the two splendid civilizations," said Shen Lin, vice mayor of Jiayuguan City.
Chief Commissioner of Petra Development and Tourism Regional Authority Mohammad Al Nawafleh said both parties should conduct in-depth cooperation, share experience on protecting historical sites and attract more tourists.
Jiayu Pass is the starting point of a section of the Great Wall constructed during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Petra is an ancient city in southern Jordan. The two sites, inscribed on the UNESCO list in 1987 and 1985 respectively, share similar natural landscapes with undulating hills and rocks, and both are great examples of people taking advantage of tools and geological conditions to build unique architecture.
