SALALAH: A monument commemorating the Chinese explorer Zheng He was unveiled on Tuesday under the auspices of HH Sayyid Marwan bin Turki al Said, Governor of Dhofar.
The monument, located at a picturesque seafront site in Dhofar Governorate, is the result of collaboration between the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Oman, and the Dhofar Municipality.
The construction of the monument began in November 2022 and was completed in May 2023. Standing at approximately 10 metres tall and weighing 10 tonnes, the monument is a 3D-printed sculpture depicting Zheng He’s renowned flagship, the Treasure Ship.
The ceremony was attended by officials from both Oman and China, including Dr Ahmed bin Mohsin al Ghassani, Chairman of Dhofar Municipality, Li Lingping, Chinese Ambassador to Oman, and Ambassador Yousuf bin Issa al Zadjali, Head of the Asia and Pacific Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Speaking on the occasion, the Governor of Dhofar emphasised that the monument symbolises the enduring friendship between Oman and China, as well as the extensive history of trade and cultural exchange between the two countries. Li Lingping remarked: “Zheng He’s voyages to the Western Ocean fostered friendly exchanges between ancient China and the countries along the Indian Ocean coast. These voyages facilitated economic, trade, and cultural ties between China and these nations.”
The monument dedicated to Zheng He serves as a valuable addition to Salalah’s growing cultural landscape, serving as a reminder of Oman’s significant role in the historical trade and cultural interactions within the Indian Ocean region.
In conjunction with the monument dedication, a celebration was organised in Salalah to commemorate the enduring friendship between Oman and China.
The celebration featured a video presentation chronicling the historical journey from Muscat to China, as well as the construction process of the Zheng He Memorial Monument.
Furthermore, interactive exhibits and engaging presentations showcased the strong bilateral relations between Oman and China. The celebration culminated with a Chinese-Omani artistic performance.
The event stood as a remarkable testament to the unwavering and ever-growing friendship between Oman and China, exemplifying the harmonious blend of cultures and the strong bilateral ties between the two nations.
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