The Culture and Tourism Forum of the 3rd Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo takes place in Dunhuang, Northwest China's Gansu province, on Sept 27, 2018. [Photo by Chen Rong/provided to Chinculture.org]

"In the future, we are willing to work with other BRI countries to carry out more joint programs, increase trade and investment in culture and tourism, and tap the potential of Silk Road heritage," Luo said, also stressing the need to organize more training programs for international talent.

"We shall continue to uphold the spirit of peace and cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, mutual learning and mutual benefit as a legacy of the ancient Silk Road. I hope that we will break more new ground for cooperation in Silk Road culture and tourism, to boost our efforts to pursue the BRI," Luo said.

Minister Luo Shugang's counterparts from other countries -- including Armenia, Benin, Mauritius, South Sudan, Thailand, Morocco and Ukraine -- gave speeches during the forum, expressing their support for future collaboration and better cooperation modes in culture and tourism.

Tang Renjian, governor of Gansu province, said the forum, together with the expo, builds a platform for global teamwork as well as exchanges among Chinese provinces. "This event will help Gansu transform our cultural and tourism resources into strengths."