A bronze sculpture honouring the cultural ties between Malta and China has been inaugurated along the Marsascala promenade, a statement said.

The sculpture, titled A Tea Break on the Silk Road, depict Lu Yu, an influential Chinese writer traditionally known as the 'Sage of Tea.'

It was installed through a collaboration between the Marsascala Local Council and the Malta-China Friendship Society.

Minister for Equality and Civil Rights Rosianne Cutajar attended the inauguration ceremony, describing the sculpture as a symbol of the longstanding friendship between the two countries.

Cutajar said cultural exchanges played an important role in strengthening international relations and encouraging dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect between different communities.

She said Lu Yu, who wrote 'The Classic of Tea,' had become associated over the centuries with hospitality, harmony and unity between people.

"The exchange of ideas, traditions and cultures has always served as a means of building bridges of friendship and cooperation between peoples," the minister said.

Cutajar said relations between Malta and China were founded on a long history of cooperation and mutual respect.

She referred to the role of former prime minister Dom Mintoff in establishing diplomatic and political relations between the two countries, saying those ties continued to develop through cultural initiatives and dialogue.

The minister also linked the inauguration to the government's commitment to equality, inclusion and respect for cultural diversity.

She said Malta should continue working towards a society in which every person was treated with dignity and given the opportunity to live in an inclusive environment.

Cultural diversity, she added, continued to enrich Maltese society and could help bring people closer together despite their differences.

Cutajar said the sculpture should serve as a lasting reminder of the importance of friendship, respect and mutual understanding.