An exhibition in commemoration of the 600th anniversary of Zheng
He's Great Western Voyages (1405-1433) opened at the Chinese
Embassy on Friday, attracting over 200 visitors including some
high-ranking Myanmar officials.
The 10-day exhibition displays some 47 precious materials and 81
sheets of fine photos portraying Zheng's historical voyages. The
exhibits also include a model portraying the leading fleet vessel
of Zheng accommodating more than 500 sailors and Zheng's nautical
chart.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Chinese ambassador Guan Mu
said the aim of sponsoring the exhibition is to cherish the memory
of pioneer maritime explorer, uphold peace and spirit of joint
development.
He stressed that 600 years ago, Zheng's expeditions enabled
China to go out towards the outside world and the present day after
600 years, China will, in a more positive manner, continue to
pursue a road of peace and development, insist on a policy of
forging friendly ties with neighboring countries to strengthen
exchange and mutually beneficial cooperation and promote joint
development and prosperity.
Attending the event were also Myanmar Foreign Minister U Nyan
Win, Deputy Minister of Information Brigadier-General Aung Thein
and Deputy Minister of Transport U Pe Than as well as other Chinese
embassy officials, representatives of foreign-based missions in
Yangon and those of local Chinese community and Chinese companies
doing business in Myanmar.
(Xinhua News Agency January 7, 2006)