Muscat – H E Sheikh Khalifa bin Ali al Harthy, Undersecretary for Political Affairs in the Foreign Ministry, met with Dr Zhang Lu, president of the International Zheng He Society, who is on a visit to Oman along with a delegation.

The meeting highlighted the historical significance of Chinese explorer Zheng He’s visit to Oman 600 years ago. The two sides were convinced that building on these historical ties is very important for not only Oman and China, but also Singapore, where the association is headquartered.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the strong friendship among Oman, Singapore and Zheng He’s homeland China by fostering collaboration in various fields to serve mutual interests.

In 2022, a memorial dedicated to Zheng He was built on a seafront site in Salalah. Designed by the Beijing Institute of Architectural Design, the monument draws inspiration from the Maritime Silk Road, which Zheng He traversed.

The structure, built by China Communication Constructions Company using 3D printing technology, symbolises the enduring relationship between Oman and China.

The early Ming Dynasty explorer and diplomat led seven westward expeditions, reaching Dhofar four times. His voyages, considered among the greatest peaceful expeditions in human history, laid a solid foundation for China’s friendship with Oman and other countries, sowing lasting ties of peace and cooperation.