On 27 September, Dunhuang, Gansu Province, hosted the opening ceremony for the 3rd Silk Road International Cultural Expo. The event was attended by SCO Deputy Secretary-General Aizada Subakozhoyeva.
SCO Secretary-General Rashid Alimov sent a message of greetings to the expo participants, which noted that the SCO member states attached particular importance to promoting cultural ties, strengthening mutual understanding between people, respecting member states' cultural traditions and customs, preserving and encouraging the diversity of cultures, as well as studying and preserving the region's cultural heritage, including along the historical Silk Road.
Rashid Alimov stressed the relevance and topicality of the Silk Road Expo, which facilitates the development of constructive cultural cooperation and helps to popularise culture and its achievements as well as SCO members' historical heritage.
Attending the expo are Vice Premier of the Chinese State Council Sun Chunlan, Chinese Minister of Culture and Tourism Luo Shugang as well as delegations from more than 30 countries and representatives of regional and international organisations.