Wu Weishan, director of the National Art Museum of China, gives a speech at the launch ceremony for the Silk Road International Alliance of Art Museum and Galleries at the National Art Museum of China in Beijing on June 19, 2018. [Photo provided to Chinaculture.org]

"We expect alliance with other unions could see more cultural achievements based on various communications and activities."

Wu Weishan, director of the National Art Museum of China, said the museum has had a series of exchanges with galleries from countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, including exhibitions and forums. The galleries union will strengthen cultural exchanges and bring art cooperation to a new level.

The first conference of the Forum of Silk Road International Alliance of Art Museum and Galleries was held after the ceremony.

During the five-day forum, the museum will hold an exhibition featuring 17 art pieces from 14 countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative.