Friendly Exchange with Lambri

The ancient Islamic kingdom of Lambri, located in present-day northwest Sumatra, had a population of only a thousand or so. Located at the intersection of maritime routes linking East and West, this small country was instrumental in helping the Ming Dynasty develop maritime trade relations in the Indian Ocean and strengthen friendly relations with the Islamic world. Zheng He recognized the strategic importance of Lambri during his first voyage, and officially initiated diplomatic relations.