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Myanmar Religious Affairs and Culture Minister U Aung Ko speaks during a workshop on heritage sites management in Lancang-Mekong countries in Bagan, Myanmar, Feb. 20, 2019. Myanmar hosted a two-day workshop on heritage sites management in Lancang-Mekong countries in its ancient city of Bagan on Wednesday. The workshop featured extensive discussions and view exchanges of representatives from six Lancang-Mekong countries -- China, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and Thailand. (Xinhua/U Aung)

BAGAN, Myanmar, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar hosted a two-day workshop on heritage sites management in Lancang-Mekong countries in its ancient city of Bagan on Wednesday.

The workshop featured extensive discussions and view exchanges of representatives from six Lancang-Mekong countries -- China, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and Thailand.

Noting that each country's national cultural heritage greatly contributes to the cultural diversity and richness of humanity, in particular of the Mekong region, Myanmar Religious Affairs and Culture Minister U Aung Ko said at the opening ceremony that the workshop highlights the importance of preservation, protection and management of heritage sites in the Mekong region for the new generations as Mekong Family Countries possess a rich variety and abundance of invaluable cultural heritage.

He believed that the workshop will be able to enhance the public awareness and understanding on the importance of preservation and protection of cultural heritage sites.

Relating to supporting the implementation of World Heritage Convention, he stressed the need to preserve and protect the cultural heritage sites systematically, saying that it will help not only reinforce the identity of people but also for tourism development.

On the other hand, he emphasized the need to manage to maintain a balance between the preservation and protection of heritage sites and development of tourism.

He thanked China for the provision of Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Special Fund.

Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Hong Liang said the workshop is part of the 19 important projects under the LMC special fund provided by China for the second time, adding that the heritage sites management also represents an important part for China and Myanmar in jointly building a modern silk road and the two countries' economic corridor.

Pledging to assist Myanmar in its preservation of heritage as much as possible, Hong said the heritage will represent a symbol of Paukphaw (fraternal) friendship connecting the hearts of the two peoples.

Mandalay Region Chief Minister Dr. Zaw Myint Maung expressed the belief that the workshop will assist in cultural heritage preservation of countries in the region through close coordination and cooperation.