At the opening of the 8th Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo on Sept 21 in Dunhuang, Northwest China's Gansu province  — Joseph Isaac, speaker of the House of Assembly of the Commonwealth of Dominica, underscored the enduring relevance of the Silk Road spirit.

"The Silk Road Initiative reminds us that success did not come without challenges," he said. "The journey of 1,000 miles started with the first step — vision, then commitment and strong leadership, followed by real action. Together we can ensure that the Silk Road of the 21st century is a road of economic opportunities for the common man."

His remarks highlighted the Silk Road's role as not only a historical trade route, but also a modern pathway for global cooperation and shared prosperity.