Yeosu, South Jeolla Province, will host the eighth Silk Road Mayors Forum next week as part of efforts to enhance the cooperation between cities situated along the Silk Road, officials said.

The Silk Road is a series of ancient trade routes that extended from China to the Mediterranean.

About 300 officials including 70 mayors from 30 countries and representatives from the U.N. and other international organizations will participate in the event from Monday to Thursday.

Under the theme “Harmony of Global Civilization and New Silk Road,” discussions will focus on three main issues: citizen participation for cultivating a “Silk Road spirit,” educational tourism development, and global infrastructure development via the Silk Road.

By Lee Hyun-jeong (rene@heraldcorp.com)