Ahmed Rehema shares his insights into Chinese and Egyptian civilizations. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]

At the 3rd Liangzhu Forum in Hangzhou, a cross-millennial dialogue unfolded between two ancient civilizations along the mysterious 30 degrees north latitude — Liangzhu and Egypt.

During a sub-forum on the protection of archaeological sites on Oct 19, archaeologists and history experts from China and Egypt gathered to explore the shared origins and future of human civilization.

Both the Liangzhu Site and Egyptian civilization flourished along major rivers — the Yangtze River, the Yellow River, and the Nile — reflecting a shared bond between water and culture. This connection extends to hydrological heritage: China's Baiheliang inscriptions on the Yangtze River and Egypt's Nilometer on Rhoda Island, two ancient water-measurement marvels, are now jointly applying for World Heritage status.

"As the proverb says, if you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together," said Ahmed Rehema, assistant minister for human resources development at Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, emphasizing that the joint application signifies not only collaboration but also a reaffirmation of both nations' cultural roots.

Patrizia Piacentini, an Egyptologist and professor at the University of Milan, noted striking parallels between the two civilizations in areas such as agriculture and river management. "Though China and Egypt had no direct contact in ancient times, their development paths show astonishing similarities," she said. "Understanding the past helps us create a wiser future."

As the forum concluded, participants agreed that the wisdom of ancient civilizations offers vital insight into today's global challenges. "Please, protect it well — for our descendants," urged Rehema.

Patrizia Piacentini is interviewed during the 3rd Liangzhu Forum. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]