Chengdu sets up library alliance along ancient route

The Silk Road was a win-win initiative in terms of friendship and peace, which led to mutual development and prosperity through enhanced communication, understanding and trust among the countries involved, according to the Chengdu Initiative of the Silk Road International Library Alliance.

Over 2,100 years ago, the Silk Road stretched for 10,000 kilometers across the European and Asian continents, becoming a historical symbol of the convergence of civilizations, the establishment of trade links, and the fostering of mutual cultural development and bonds between countries enmeshed in life along the route. An agreeable spirit of openness, cooperation, harmony and acceptance endured over this period, a statement from the group said.

The initiative was unveiled on Monday in Chengdu, as the Founding of the Silk Road International Library Alliance and the "Reading, City, Culture" Academic Forum on the Integration of Libraries and Bookstores events were held. Delegations from as far afield as Bangladesh, Belarus, Brunei, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Myanmar and Qatar, as well as Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tunisia, Uzbekistan, Vietnam and Mongolia, attended.