China has demonstrated its full commitment to preserving and safeguarding heritage sites and traditions in accordance with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Convention of 1972, a senior UNESCO official said in Suzhou Monday.

"China has an extensive and especially impressive cultural heritage," said Chairman of UNESCO Executive Board Hans-Heinrich Wrede at the opening ceremony of the 28th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC), which will last through July 7.

"In a world as diverse as ours, understanding our individual and collective histories becomes vitally important to forging a common destiny in the 21st century," Wrede said.

He expressed the hope to see a fruitful session this time, saying that much has already been accomplished by WHC in a relatively short time.

"Not too long ago, the world was still largely ignorant of the need to preserve cultural and natural sites. We did not yet, as we do now, understand how fragile and how necessary as well this heritage is to a dignified life in the modern world," Wrede said.

He appreciated the preparations made by the host city for the session and hoped to learn more about Suzhou, with its renowned body of talent in architecture, painting, opera and literature.

"The possibility to learn more about Chinese culture, the people, country and traditions is a rare privilege," he said.
 
(Xinhua News Agency June 28, 2004)