Bactrian bounty

[Photo by Jiang Dong/China Daily]

"The destruction in Syria and Iraq is horrific and barbaric," Mosazai says.

"Once you lose artifacts, they cannot be replaced. That is why we believe the preservation of archaeological sites around the world, especially in countries where resources are limited, is extremely important.

"So, joint efforts by Afghanistan and China are important for reviving the ancient Silk Road and strengthening cultural ties not only between the two countries but the whole region."