Guo Yezhou, vice minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, announces a joint statement on proposals to strengthen Silk Road people-to-people connectivity at a thematic forum during the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing, Oct. 18, 2023. [Photo by Yan Bin/China.org.cn]

A joint statement on proposals to bolster Silk Road people-to-people connectivity was unveiled at a thematic forum held during the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing on Wednesday.

The statement's goal is not only to promote the spirit of Belt and Road collaboration but also to advocate for the shared values of humanity. Additionally, it proposes strengthening international people-to-people and cultural exchanges and cooperation.  

It also aims to further improve people-to-people connectivity and to solidify public support for high-quality Belt and Road cooperation among partner countries, according to Guo Yezhou, vice minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee. Guo said that oversight regarding project implementation is welcome.

The thematic forum also released a list of achievements achieved over the years, comprising of 120 collaborative projects focused on economic growth, job creation, livelihood protection and poverty alleviation.

The event was hosted by the International Department of the CPC Central Committee. More than 300 attendees were present, including prominent political figures, experts, scholars from various countries, representatives from non-governmental organizations, and delegates from relevant domestic departments. International participants at the meeting applauded the significant achievements the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has made over the past decade and expressed anticipation for promoting high-level people-to-people exchanges to contribute to high-quality BRI cooperation.