On November 16, the Zhengzhou Luxembourg "Air Silk Road" Forum for International Cooperation gathered global attention. The busy cargo planes are sailing in the cloud, forming a "Silk Road in the Air" to enhance China-EU connectivity. Many honored guests at home and abroad gathered online to participate in discussions in various forms, review the achievements of the Henan "Air Silk Road," and send blessings to the forum.
Some of these guests participated in the "Air Silk Road" Forum by recording videos, sending congratulatory letters, online exchanges, keynote speeches, etc. They praised Henan's openness and offered advice and suggestions to help the Henan "Air Silk Road" build a bright future.
Prime Minister of Luxembourg: The "Air Silk Road" between Luxembourg and China is one of the pillars of our bilateral cooperation
November 16 marked the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Luxembourg, and Xavier Bettel, the Prime Minister of Luxembourg has recorded a video for this special event, in which he recalled the meeting with President Xi Jinping and their joint proposal to support the construction of the Zhengzhou-Luxembourg "Air Silk Road" on June 14, 5 years ago. He then expressed his congratulations on the successful collaboration between Zhengzhou and Luxembourg.
"The 'Air Silk Road' between Luxembourg and China is not a shallow slogan, but it's one of the most visible and tangible pillars of our bilateral cooperation." Bettel said, the relationship between Luxembourg and China is the most dynamic that Luxembourg has outside the European Union, and he said "It is a strong and continuously evolving friendship. We stand ready in the framework of the 'Air Silk Road' to contribute to the development of Chinese trade and services, boosting high-quality growth and innovations."
Deputy Prime Minister of Luxembourg: The collaboration between Zhengzhou and Luxembourg has developed into a centerpiece of the "Air Silk Road"
François Bausch, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Mobility and Public Works, sent a congratulatory letter to the forum. He expressed his congratulations on the successful collaboration that has taken place in the development and the success of the dual hub strategy between Zhengzhou and Luxembourg, since operations first began in 2014 when the Henan Civil Aviation and Investment Company Limited, HNCA, became a shareholder in Cargolux, and which has developed into a centerpiece of the "Air Silk Road" between our two countries.
Bausch said, "I would like to take the opportunity to express my wish for a continued, mutually beneficial collaboration between Luxembourg and the People's Republic of China. And in this context, I'm definitely looking forward to resume our regular bilateral visits as soon as conditions commit for it, which have greatly contributed to creating strong bonds of friendship as well as these remarkable results."
Marc Hubsch, Luxembourg's ambassador to China: using three words to describe the deep relationship between China and Luxembourg
Marc Hubsch used three words to describe the deep relationship that has evolved over the past half century between China and Luxembourg. These words are excellence, friendship, and respect. "… friendly exchanges between China and Luxembourg took place already at the end of the 19th century. Since then, and during the last 50 years, our two countries have enjoyed fruitful economic exchanges in logistics, engineering, and the steel industry, in finance and notably green finance…" said Marc Hubsch.
"The Silk Road in the Air between Luxembourg and China is more than the cornerstone of our bilateral cooperation. It is first and foremost, a unique success story and a showcase for the mutually beneficial implementation and further deepening of the Belt and Road Initiative," said Marc Hubsch. He added that, for example, after the outburst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the airfreight connection between Zhengzhou and Luxembourg was a real lifeline between China and Europe, delivering urgently needed medical supplies. He also appreciated the dedicated efforts and the continuous support of the local authorities. "I'm definitely looking forward to my next visit to Zhengzhou to witness the progress of our common projects," said Marc Hubsch.
The "Air Silk Road" over China and Europe is rooted in the millennium Silk Road with the convoys of camels, bridging the East and the West separated by mountains and seas. In today's era, when mankind is increasingly becoming a community with a shared future, the "Air Silk Road" is brimming with renewed vigor and creating a brighter future.