The restoration and protection of Bosnia's Old Bridge in Mostar exemplifies international cooperation, providing valuable experience for global heritage protection, Qu Xing, deputy director-general of UNESCO, has said.

"The UNESCO ensured that the reconstruction utilized original techniques and materials, while the World Bank managed funding and financial oversight. The governments of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the City of Mostar implemented the protection project, bringing the war-damaged bridge back to life," Qu told Xinhua Tuesday at an event marking the 20th anniversary of the bridge's reopening.

"The Old Bridge in Mostar is a symbol of cultural diversity, connecting people of different ethnicities, cultures, and religions, making Mostar a crossroads between East and West," Qu added.

Originally built in 1566 in southern Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Old Bridge is a significant cultural heritage from the Ottoman Empire and had been destroyed during the Bosnian War in 1993.

In 2005, one year after its reopening, the bridge and its surrounding area were inscribed on the World Heritage List.

UNESCO acknowledged that the Old Bridge's historical value and symbolic significance were the main reasons for its successful World Heritage listing, even after its destruction. The bridge represents not only an architectural marvel but also a symbol of cultural and religious diversity.

Adhering to the principle of "repairing the old as old," the international architectural team has also factored in local cultural tourism and economic development, offering invaluable experience for future heritage protection, Qu noted.

"Rebuilding the Old Bridge in Mostar is not just about restoring a historical structure; it's about creating a platform for harmony and understanding among multiple ethnicities, religions, and cultures," added Qu.

"The Old Bridge in Mostar shows us that, sooner or later, ruins must give way for reconstruction. By restoring monuments, by galvanizing international solidarity, we can rebuild the possibility of peace." Qu said, underscoring that the protection of the Old Bridge encourages the world to build more "bridges" of dialogue and cooperation in the coming years. 

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