Chinese President Xi Jinping has confirmed his attendance at the opening ceremony of the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF). Scheduled to take place in Beijing from October 17 to 18, this event has been eagerly anticipated, with the Chinese Foreign Ministry making the announcement on a Wednesday.
During the opening ceremony, President Xi is slated to deliver a keynote address, setting the tone for the discussions and initiatives that will unfold throughout the forum. Additionally, he will host a warm welcome banquet in honor of the foreign leaders and heads of international organizations who have come to participate in this significant event. These announcements were made by Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying in an official statement.
The overarching theme of the third BRF is articulated as “High-quality Belt and Road Cooperation: Together for Common Development and Prosperity.” This theme underscores the ongoing commitment to enhancing the quality of projects and partnerships within the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) while emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts for shared growth and prosperity among participating nations.
The timing of this forum is particularly significant as it coincides with the 10th anniversary of the BRI’s launch in the year 2023. Since its inception, the BRI has grown exponentially, thanks to the collective endeavors of all parties involved. What initially began as a Chinese-led initiative has evolved into a global endeavor, extending far beyond China’s borders. This transformation into an international effort was highlighted in a white paper released just the day before the Foreign Ministry’s announcement.
The white paper outlines the substantial progress and achievements made under the BRI framework over the past decade. It emphasizes that the BRI has garnered widespread recognition within the international community as a public good and a valuable platform for cooperation. Notably, it has yielded tangible and substantial results across various sectors and regions, reinforcing its importance on the global stage.
With President Xi’s upcoming participation and the thematic focus on “High-quality Belt and Road Cooperation,” the third BRF is poised to continue promoting multilateral collaboration, sustainable development, and prosperity among participating nations. The event provides an invaluable opportunity for leaders and stakeholders to engage in productive dialogues and shape the future of this ambitious initiative. As the BRI enters its second decade, the world will be watching with anticipation to see how this transformative project evolves and contributes to global development and connectivity.
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