Source: China Daily    Published: 2015-10-14

Liu Yunshan delivered a keynote speech, Oct 14, 2015. [Photo by Zhang Wei/chinadaily.com.cn]

More than 60 political delegates from over 30 countries gathered in Beijing on Wednesday to discuss the common development of the Belt and Road Initiative, as the Asian Political Parties` Special Conference on the Silk Road began in the Chinese capital on Wednesday.

Liu Yunshan, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau and Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony.

"The Belt and Road Initiative has received an active response in Asia and the world, and won wide recognition and support from visionary people of different countries," he said.

The Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, known as the Belt and Road Initiative, was put forward by President Xi Jinping during visits to Kazakhstan and Indonesia in 2013.

"The initiative, being an open, inclusive and practical initiative, is in line with the call for peace and development, consistent with the trend of reform, opening up and progress in China," Liu added.

The conference reflects the wishes of countries in Asia and along the Silk Road to deepen cooperation, and responds to the need to work together in the face of a complex global economic situation, he said.

Taking `New Vision of the Silk Road, Actions for Common Development` as its theme, the conference includes discussions on regional economic cooperation, dialogues between media agencies and business representatives and three panels with the topics "Political Leadership: New Consensus for Political Parties," "People-to-People Bonds: New Dialogue between Civilizations" and "Economic Integration: New Impetus for Development".

"The conference provides an important opportunity for political parties to discuss the initiative and formulate a feasible plan for its country to participate," said Zandaakhuu Enkhbold, president of the Democratic Party of Mongolia and speaker of the State Great Khural of Mongolia.

Davit Usupashvili, speaker of the Parliament of Georgia, said the significance of the Belt and Road Initiative is historic and Georgia is willing to cooperate with China to promote the development of the initiative.

Xi will hold meetings with representatives during the conference and Vice-President Li Yuanchao will attend the closing ceremony on Friday.

The conference is held within the framework of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP), a multilateral forum for major political parties from Asian countries launched in 2000.

The standing committee of the ICAPP proposed in March that China holds a conference on the Silk Road so that countries in Asia and along the Belt and Road can work together with a clear picture of China`s "Belt and Road Initiatives" in mind.