On March 26, a delegation led by Daniel Russell, former assistant secretary of state and associate dean of the institute of Asia society policy, payed a visit to Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at Renmin University (RDCY). Along with Shi Yinhong, Chinese State Counselor and professor of School of International Studies at Renmin university of China, Zhao Changhui, Senior analyst at the export-import bank of China, Wang Wen, executive dean of the RDCY, Zhou Luohua, deputy dean of the RDCY and other Chinese scholars as well as experts, they carried out an in-depth and candid exchange with regard to high-profile topics including Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China-US relation and cooperation of think tanks. Both sides hold a consensus that cooperation in the field of BRI is necessary for a higher level of strategic and social trust between each other.

By virtue of efforts of the Chongyang institute, delegates also visited some Chinese institutions such as the National Development and Reform Commission, International Department of the Central Committee of CPC, the China Development Bank, and talked with some relevant directors in terms of BRI. Through this trip, the delegation aims to promote intensified cooperation of both two countries in policy research of BRI. The Research Center for China-US People-to-People Exchanges, which is operated by RDCY, is also responsible for this work.

On March 27, Professor Seyed Mohammd Kazem Sajjadpour, director of the Institute for Political and International Studies (IPIS) which is affiliated to Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, visited RDCY and deeply discussed about China-Iran relation and BRI with Wang Wen, executive dean of RDCY, Zhou Luohua, deputy dean of the RDCY and Yang Qingqing, assistant to the dean. Against the backdrop of tremendous changes in the international situation, both two sides agreed that there is broad space for strengthening China-Iran relations, especially in BRI area. As the two leading think tanks jointly build BRI through the cooperation of the official and academic organizations between China and Iran, the two sides should earnestly improve the level of cooperation in people-to-people exchanges, academic research and think tank construction, deepen bilateral relations and facilitate the smooth progress of BRI.

Chongyang Institute has established a sound relation of cooperation with the circles of politics and scholars in Iran since 2014. Both sides enjoy frequent mutual visit, in-depth exchange and have co-hosted several dialogues of think tanks between China and Iran. In addition, both sides also signed a international think tank agreement, building a new model featuring official and academic cooperation and transnational efforts in developing BRI. Both two parties have launched many premium bilateral activities and dialogues.

For two consecutive days, senior diplomats of America and Iran visited RDCY successively and showed concerns about the newest headway, current challenges and cooperation envision of the Belt and Road. Chinese counterparts also stated views by means of policy research, case study and worries response. Both sides jointly discussed constructive and feasible advice, and effectively foster the smooth communication of policy and interconnection of people.

In the eve of the upcoming second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation which will be held in the end of April, emphasis on frequent exchanges centering on BRI between think tanks both at home and abroad reflects concern and engagement of America and Iran, and also proves it that BRI is a major initiative promoting the development of China and the world. With commitment to joint consultation and contribution based on shared benefits, BRI aims to usher in a promising prospect of future.

It was translated by Kuang Chuang, a trainee of Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at Renmin University of China.