Representatives of Fuzhou and participants from China and other countries met via Zoom 

Mr. Ashok Kumar Byanju Shrestha, President of the UCLG ASPAC, President of Municipal Association of Nepal, and Mayor of Dhulikhel Municipality, expressed thanks to 21st-Century Maritime Cooperation Committee for organizing this meeting. He recognized the Committee's relentless efforts in promoting inter-city and international cooperation and communication in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, and expressed his hope that the meeting could contribute to realizing the shared vision of the members of the UCLG ASPAC. 

Mr. Byanju, President of the UCLG ASPAC, delivered the speech. 

Mr. Jiang Jiang, Vice President of the CPAFFC, expressed in his speech support and encouragement for the Committee.He pointed out that the Committee has built a beneficial platform of exchange and cooperation for the Asia-Pacific region and the countries along the Maritime Silk Road (hereinafter referred to as “the MSR”), and has worked together with all members to promote the Belt and Road development over the past five years. With the theme of "Inheritance and Innovation of the Maritime Silk Road Culture", this meeting aims to use the link of the MSR Culture to create a situation among the people of countries along the MSR which features  mutual appreciation, understanding and respect. This is significant for implementing the Belt and Road Initiative in a deep and practical way. Mr. Jiang hopes that through this conference, the participants can draw wisdom and strength from the ancient Silk Road for the promotion of mutual cooperation, bringing into the positive role of cultural heritage in sustainable social and economic development. 

Mr. Jiang Jiang, Vice President of CPAFFC, addressed the audience. 

The Secretariat of the Committee briefed on its work since its Second General Assembly in May and introduced its future work plan, Including the Award Presentation Ceremony for the First Silk Road International Youth Photography and Short Video Competition, a sub-forum on marine economy 2023 Fuzhou International Fisheri es Expo,and a workshop on Juncao Technology. 

Mr. Wu Xiaojie, Director of the Foreign Affairs Office of Fuzhou Municipal People’s Government and Executive Deputy Secretary General of the Committee briefed on the Committee’s work. 

Furthermore, representatives from Fuzhou Municipal Cultural Heritage Administration and Fuzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism made presentations on Fuzhou’s protection and utilization of its MSR cultural heritage and Fuzhou’s work in tapping and promoting its relevant tourism resources. Prof. Xue Jing, Director of Fuzhou Center for Protection and Research of MSR Historic Sites, Dean of School of Humanities, Minjiang University, from the academic perspective, introduced Fuzhou’s MSR history and its historical status along the MSR. 

During the free discussion session, participants including Ms. Chadini Ramanayake, Senior Program officer of Federation of Sri Lankan Local Government Authorities, Dr Toe Aung, Deputy Director General of Public Relations and Information Department, Yangon City Development Committee, and Mrs. Aisha Abubakar, County Chief Officer of Cultural Affairs of Mombasa, Kenya, exchanged views on the MSR-related cultural monuments of their own cities and the relevant protection. 

At last, Dr. Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi, Secretary General of UCLG ASPAC, made the closing speech. She expressed her hope that the Committee members would learn from Fuzhou's practices in inheriting and innovating the MSR Culture, join hands to recreate the splendor of the Maritime Silk Road, and build consensus and promote cooperation through the MSR culture. 

Dr. Bernadia, Secretary General of UCLG ASPAC, delivered the closing speech.