In an interview at his office, Waref Kumayha, a dedicated stamp collector and the founder of the Lebanese-Chinese Dialogue Road Association, shared his profound connection with China and the transformative impact of the Belt and Road Initiative. Kumayha's passion for China traces back to his childhood, ignited by a simple hobby -- collecting stamps. "My relationship with China goes back to my childhood more than 40 years ago, starting with my hobby of collecting stamps," reminisced Kumayha. Over the years, Kumayha's dedication to stamp collection led him to embark on a journey that spanned 40 cities in China, covering the vast expanse from north to south and east to west. "Those experiences added to my knowledge about China as well as my passion for China," he shared. Stamps, according to Kumayha, served as "traveling ambassadors," playing a crucial role in showcasing China's culture and heritage on a global stage. "So the stamps were an important measure for me to discover China, its history, and its development," he explained.  Kumayha established the Lebanese-Chinese Dialogue Road Association in 2017 with the aspiration of fostering closer ties between Lebanon and China, seeking to capitalize on additional opportunities within the initiative's framework. Kumayha specified key areas for collaboration, such as energy, electricity, gas exploration, infrastructure projects, and transportation developments, which are vital elements to tackle Lebanon's economic crisis. He also praised China's achievements in developing rural areas, eliminating poverty, and fostering equality among ethnic groups, adding that Lebanon could learn from China's experience, given its diverse religious background.  Kumayha also commended China's global initiatives, including the Global Security Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, emphasizing their role in building a community with a shared future for mankind. (ICE BEIRUT)

Fonte notizia: en.people.cn