A partnership of kindred spirits

Editor's note: Amity between the people holds the key to sound state-to-state relations. China Daily will come out with a series of stories highlighting Chinese cities' special connections with sister cities, mutual understanding, trust and friendship between peoples of different countries and cultural backgrounds, and shining light on "city diplomacy".

Mohamed Ali considers himself a fortunate man, having seen a lot of the world. Yet one place pulls particularly hard at his heartstrings: Guangzhou in Guangdong province, with its gleaming skyscrapers, thriving commerce, its huge range of culinary delights and its friendly locals.

Ali, a flight attendant with the airline Emirates who has lived in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, for 12 years, exudes great enthusiasm as he explores Guangzhou, capturing moments in front of a historic white tower, now a popular tourist spot, with his pocket camera.

The tower, standing inside Huaisheng Mosque in Yuexiu District, and also known as the Light Tower, tells of the historical link between the civilizations of China and the Arab world that can be traced back to the ancient maritime Silk Road.

Looking up at the tower, Ali says he can see some Arabic styling in it.

"It's amazing, and especially for Arabs, who find it fascinating because of the history it represents."

During the Tang Dynasty (618-907), merchants from the Arabian Peninsula crossed the seas and eventually reached Guangzhou. In those days the tower served as a crucial landmark for them and foreign explorers heading to the Chinese city. For the crews of Arab merchant ships, the tower's conspicuous design told them that they had indeed reached Guangzhou.

Twelve years ago, Guangzhou and Dubai, both important trading hubs at the two ends of the Asian continent, established a tie of friendship that essentially formalized a partnership that had thrived for many years before that.