Global mayors praise China's cultural heritage preservation in Luoyang

The Global Mayors Dialogue has wrapped up in Luoyang, central China’s Henan Province, where international guests from around the world discussed how historic cities can preserve their cultural heritage while pursuing economic growth and urban development.

Yun Sinang, deputy director of the administration of Siem Reap Municipality, Cambodia, said she was impressed by how the local government protects the Longmen Grottoes and provides infrastructure that makes it easier for tourists to visit.

Marco Lattanzi, first counsellor at the Embassy of Italy in China, said Italy and China could strengthen cultural and historical ties through universities, cultural centers and people-to-people exchanges, fostering greater mutual understanding and cooperation.

Robbie Rodiss, chair of Durham County Council in the UK, praised China’s efforts to preserve and restore its heritage, describing the work as modest and inspiring. He said he wished his own country had something similar and expressed admiration for China’s restored historic buildings.

Robert Mugabe Kakyebezi, mayor of Mbarara, Uganda, said China had kept its history alive while promoting tourism, allowing people to experience firsthand the heritage they might otherwise encounter only in books.

Luoyang, one of China’s ancient capitals, welcomed mayors and other representatives from countries including Italy, the UK, Belarus, Algeria and Greece for the dialogue.