About 50 officials and scholars from eight countries issued a declaration at Beijing's Palace Museum, also known as the Forbidden City, on Oct 20 on enhancing protection of the world's cultural relics.

The Declaration of Supreme Harmony, which is named after the Hall of Supreme Harmony in the Forbidden City, acknowledges that cultural relics today face destruction brought about by war and globalization.

It also pledges the countries' efforts to promote mutual understanding and cultural inclusiveness through more dialogue.

The declaration was drafted following the first two-day ancient civilization forum held at the Palace Museum.

The eight countries which issued the joint declaration are China, Egypt, Greece, India, Iran, Iraq, Italy and Mexico.

Delegates from international organizations also attended the forum.

According to Shan Jixiang, the director of the Palace Museum, the forum is scheduled to be held annually from now on, and will cover more countries.