A pair of shoes, whose design was inspired by samite with winged horses, a common motif along the ancient Silk Road, are shown at the China National Silk Museum. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Brazil has been invited to be the guest of honor at the 2025 Silk Road Week, according to a news briefing held at the China National Silk Museum in Hangzhou on March 26.

Latin America is the natural extension of the ancient maritime Silk Road, with Brazil playing an important role, said Ji Xiaofen, director of the China National Silk Museum.

"The Silk Road is a common heritage for the whole world," said Ji. "We hope the 2025 Silk Road Week can help further promote civilizational dialogues between China and Brazil, as well as other countries in the region."

Planned for July, this year's Silk Road Week will coincide with the BRICS leaders' summit, which Brazil will host in Rio de Janeiro on July 6 and 7.

As one of the largest producers and exporters of raw silk, Brazil has strong ties with China in terms of silk and sericulture, said Paulo Henrique de Sousa Cavalcante, head of public diplomacy at Brazil's Consulate General in Shanghai.

"Brazilian and Chinese people are very open to the world and new cultures," he said. "The event will help the two countries develop and foster cooperation."

A series of activities, including academic forums, fashion shows, and exhibitions will be held in both China and Brazil during the event. 

Themed "Silk and Silk Road", one of the largest exhibitions will be held by the China National Silk Museum and the Immigration Museum of the State of Sao Paulo. It will highlight not only the commercial, cultural, and human exchanges that took place along the Silk Road but also how its enduring legacy shaped the modern world, according to Alessandra Almeida, executive director of the Immigration Museum.

"By exploring these interconnections, we can promote a broader understanding and greater appreciation of our shared human heritage," she said in a video message.

First held in 2020, the annual Silk Road Week has attracted millions of participants worldwide across hundreds of institutions in dozens of countries.