Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, Oct. 17 (Reporters Yang Yijun, Kong Xiangxin) On the evening of October 17, President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan hosted a banquet at the Great Hall of the People to welcome international dignitaries attending the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in China. Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, and Han Zheng were present.

On an autumn day in Beijing, the setting sun painted a picturesque scene as the lights illuminated Tiananmen Square, with the Great Hall of the People standing majestic and resplendent.

Foreign heads of state, government leaders, heads of international organizations, and other international dignitaries attending the forum, along with their spouses, arrived at the Great Hall of the People one after another. Guards of honor stood in formation to pay tribute. Over 150 national flags from Belt and Road partner countries and the United Nations flag were neatly lined up on both sides of the red carpet, presenting a grand and spectacular sight.

Xi Jinping and Peng Liyuan warmly welcomed the foreign leaders and their spouses, shaking hands with each of them individually before taking a group photo together.

Amid the welcoming music, Xi Jinping and Peng Liyuan entered the Golden Hall together with the distinguished guests.

Xi Jinping delivered a speech, extending, on behalf of the Chinese government and people, a warm welcome to all the distinguished guests attending the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.

Xi Jinping pointed out, “In spring we sow the seeds; in autumn we reap the fruits.” Over the past 10 years since the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) was proposed, China and BRI partner countries have worked together to carry forward the Silk Road spirit of peace and cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, mutual learning and mutual benefit, and contributed to connectivity and international economic cooperation and global economic growth. We have carried out thousands of cooperation projects with solid deliverables and jointly drawn a magnificent画卷 of connecting the world and fostering shared prosperity. These achievements are made possible by the hard work, wisdom and courage of governments, businesses and people in BRI countries. We salute all who have participated in and contributed to Belt and Road cooperation.

Xi Jinping stressed that Belt and Road cooperation seeks development, promotes win-win outcomes and inspires hope. Only through relentless efforts and hard work can we achieve fruitful outcomes and deliver long-term benefits to the people for generations to come. This is a responsibility we, as politicians of this generation, must fulfill for contemporary times and for the future. Belt and Road cooperation, robust and fruitful in its first decade, is now full of dynamism and vitality, and we must embark with drive and enthusiasm on the new journey toward another golden decade.

Xi Jinping pointed out that our world today is far from tranquil; the world economy is under growing downward pressure; and global development is confronted with multiple challenges. Yet we remain unwavering in our belief that the historical trend of peace, development, cooperation and mutual benefit is unstoppable, our people’s aspiration for a better life remains strong as ever, and the desire of all countries to achieve common development and prosperity is overwhelming. As long as we remain steadfast in our commitment to cooperation and common development, we will accomplish new feats in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation that reflect the spirit of the times and create a brighter future for humanity through our joint efforts.

After the banquet, Xi Jinping and Peng Liyuan and distinguished guests watched a performance themed “Silk Road in Bloom,” experiencing the exchange and mutual learning as well as the shared beauty of diverse civilizations and splendid cultures of Belt and Road countries.

Wang Yi, Yin Li, Li Shulei, He Lifeng, and Wang Xiaohong, among others, attended the above-mentioned event.