Editor's note: President Xi Jinping held a number of talks on Thursday with foreign guests on the sidelines of the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. The following are the highlights of their meetings.
Brunei
President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Brunei's Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, who is attending the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, in Beijing, capital of China, April 26, 2019. [Photo/Xinhua]
"During the past two years, we successfully exchanged visits, and the bilateral relations have been upgraded to a strategic cooperative partnership and made great strides," Xi said.
The two sides should step up the alignment of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with Brunei's Wawasan 2035, a strategy for economic diversification, and implement key cooperation projects, he said.
They should also deepen cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, investment, agriculture and fisheries, and share experience in developing emerging industries such as digital economy and e-commerce, Xi said.
"To strengthen people-to-people and cultural exchanges, I would like to join you in proclaiming 2020 the Year of Tourism Between China and Brunei," Xi said.
Efforts should also be made to align the BRI with the ASEAN connectivity master plan to promote regional connectivity and development, Xi said, adding that both countries should work closely together and support multilateralism.
Hassanal said China's further reform and opening-up and its commitment to upholding multilateral system will help promote world development and prosperity.
Brunei is ready to work with China to promote the synergy of Wawasan 2035 and the BRI, expand cooperation in various fields as well as people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and inject more vitality into bilateral relations, Hassanal said.
Greece
President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras who is attending the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing, capital of China, April 26, 2019. [Photo/Xinhua]
Xi said that Greece sets a model for European countries to carry out mutually beneficial cooperation with China and joint development of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
China is willing to maintain high-level exchanges and mutual respect and trust with Greece, fully tap the value of profound historical and cultural heritage of the two countries, promote dialogue among civilizations, and strengthen coordination and cooperation in international affairs, Xi said.
China is also ready to strengthen the alignment of the BRI with Greece's strategy to build an important international logistics hub, Xi noted.
Tsipras described the BRI as a great proposal which reflects the wisdom of ancient Chinese philosophy and embodies deliberation on the future of the world, thus serving as a bridge between East and West and an opportunity for all countries to develop.
Greece has actively supported and participated in the BRI development from the very beginning because the country, like China with a long history of civilization, is able to understand the initiative from the perspective of history.
The Greek side is glad to take advantage of the BRI and the cooperation platform between China and central and eastern European countries to develop strategic relations with China, and support deepening cooperation between Europe and China, he added.
Thailand
President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, who is here to attend the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, in Beijing, capital of China, April 26, 2019. [Photo/Xinhua]
Xi said China and Thailand are close neighbors, and the joint development of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) makes the already amicable bilateral relations even better.
The two countries should carry forward the traditional friendship and enhance high-level contacts, so as to guide the sound development of the bilateral ties, he said.
China will continue to support Thailand's efforts in maintaining domestic stability and promoting national development, and is willing to strengthen the alignment of the two countries' development strategies and advance high-quality BRI cooperation, to give a strong boost to the bilateral ties, Xi said.
China supports Thailand's role as the rotating chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) this year, Xi said, adding that China is willing to deeply align the BRI with the ASEAN's connectivity plan.
Prayut spoke highly of China's achievements in fields including economic growth, poverty relief and environmental protection.
He said Thailand benefited greatly from the infrastructure and data connectivity since the inception of the BRI almost six years ago, adding that Thailand will continue to support and actively engage in the BRI cooperation.
Malaysia
President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who is here to attend the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, in Beijing, capital of China, April 25, 2019. [Wang Zhuangfei/China Daily]
In meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, Xi said the two countries should work together to create a brighter future for bilateral ties by jointly promoting the Belt and Road Initiative.
Both countries should strengthen planning of the BRI to enhance cooperation, Xi said, adding more effort should be made to advance the Two Countries Twin Parks initiative, one of the cooperation plans between them, to promote connectivity and development of the two nations and the whole region.
Xi called on the two countries to uphold friendship, mutual understanding and trust, and support each other's respective core interests and major concerns.
He also encouraged an upgrading of cooperation between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
China supports Malaysia in hosting the APEC meetings next year, advancing the regional integration process and economic globalization as well as building an open global economy, Xi said.
Mahathir said Malaysia will move China ties to a higher level.
The BRI not only helps solve problems of infrastructure connectivity, but also helps address unbalanced development, he said, adding that the initiative is conducive to promoting dialogue between different cultures, and eliminating such problems as conflict, extremism and terrorism.
Premier Li Keqiang also met with the Malaysian prime minister on Thursday.
Indonesia
President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla, who is here to attend the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, in Beijing, capital of China, April 25, 2019. [Wang Zhuangfei/China Daily]
In a meeting with Indonesian Vice-President Jusuf Kalla, Xi hailed the progress and fruitful outcomes achieved in bilateral ties.
The two countries should carry forward their friendship, support each other on issues related to their respective core interests and major concerns, and set the right course for their relations, he said.
Xi recalled his visit to Indonesia in 2013 when he proposed the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.
Calling the alignment of the BRI with Indonesia's Global Maritime Axis initiative the focus of the countries' cooperation, Xi urged the two nations to define key areas of cooperation at an early date and effectively implement key cooperation projects such as the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway.
Building a new type of international relations featuring mutual respect, fairness and justice as well as win-win cooperation aims to provide a Chinese solution to the problems the world is facing, Xi said.
He called on Indonesia to work with China to safeguard the common interests of developing countries and advance the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.
Kalla said his country stands ready to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in trade, investment and education, and promote cooperation in Indonesia's regional comprehensive economic corridors.
Indonesia will work with China to firmly uphold multilateralism and jointly promote peace, stability and prosperity in the region and around the world, he said.
Papua New Guinea (PNG)
President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Papua New Guinea (PNG) Prime Minister Peter O'Neill, who is here to attend the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, in Beijing, capital of China, April 25, 2019. [Wang Zhuangfei/China Daily]
China does not seek a sphere of influence and will forever remain a good and reliable friend and partner for island countries, Xi said in a meeting with Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister Peter O'Neill.
Xi said China is following the principles of pursuing the greater good, shared interest, sincerity, real results, amity and good faith in bolstering unity and cooperation with Pacific Islands nations. Xi recalled his state visit in November to Papua New Guinea and his meeting with the eight Pacific Islands nation leaders that have established diplomatic relations with China, noting that relations between the two countries are at a historic high.
China highly appreciates Papua New Guinea seeing relations with China as a priority in its diplomacy as well as its firm support of China on issues relating to its core interests, Xi said.
China supports Papua New Guinea in selecting a development path suitable to its national conditions, and is willing to enhance mutual trust, deepen cooperation and cement friendship with the Pacific Islands country, he said.
O'Neill said China's success set an example for all developing countries, and the visit by Xi was historic.
The BRI proposed by Xi is a major contribution to the international community and will bring about important opportunities for Pacific Islands nations, he said, adding that his country is ready to step up cooperation with China within the Belt and Road framework.
Belarus
President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who is here to attend the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, in Beijing, capital of China, April 25, 2019. [Wang Zhuangfei/China Daily]
Xi called on greater alignment between the Belt and Road Initiative and the development strategies of Belarus during a meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.
China and Belarus are all-weather friends, and their bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership, featuring mutual trust and win-win outcomes, is performing at a high level, Xi said.
He added that the China-Belarus industrial park has become a model project for the joint building of the Belt and Road, and bilateral cooperation has been brought to a brand-new level.
The two countries should enable deeper and more concrete cooperation in business, investment, tourism, education and local level exchanges so that more cooperative outcomes can be delivered, he said.
Lukashenko congratulated Xi on the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
Belarus trusts China wholeheartedly and will remain a trustworthy friend of China under any circumstances, he said, adding that Belarus will continue to offer firm support.
Belarus is a firm supporter and participant in Belt and Road cooperation, and it hopes the China-Belarus industrial park will be helpful in promoting the joint building of the Belt and Road in the Eurasian region, he said.
The two presidents witnessed the signing of bilateral cooperation agreements after the meeting, and unveiled models for China-assisted projects of a sports stadium and a natatorium.
Hungary
President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who is here to attend the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, in Beijing, capital of China, April 25, 2019. [Wang Zhuangfei/China Daily]
China and Hungary should carry out cooperation within the Belt and Road framework, including the Hungary-Serbia railway, and strive for more concrete outcomes, Xi said in a meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
Xi noted that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries and China looks forward to working with Hungary to bring the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership to a new level.
It is important for both countries to bolster pragmatic cooperation to achieve win-win outcomes and expand people-to-people exchanges, he added.
Orban said the Hungarian government and people cherish the extraordinary friendship with China.
Hungary firmly believes that China will play a more positive role in a complex and fluid world, he said, adding that the Belt and Road is an opportunity rather than a threat, and Hungary will offer its firm support.
Orban said that Hungary is optimistic about China's high-tech development and welcomes investment from China.
He added that Hungary is ready to promote the development of Europe-China relations as a whole through the platform of cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European countries.
Premier Li Keqiang also met with Orban on Thursday.
Egypt
President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi, who is here to attend the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, in Beijing, capital of China, April 25, 2019. [Wang Zhuangfei/China Daily]
China hopes to play a pro-active role in Egypt's plan to develop the Suez Canal corridor and will continue promoting construction of the China-Egypt Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone, Xi said during a meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
China has always supported Egypt in exploring development that suits its own national conditions, Xi said, adding China will set up a Luban Workshop in Egypt to offer vocational training for young Egyptians.
Xi called for the two countries to deepen counterterrorism and security cooperation and continue working for closer people-to-people exchanges.
Egypt is chairing the African Union, and the fact that Sisi has come to China for the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation shows Egypt's sincere will to take an active part in building the Belt and Road as well as African countries' call for mutual benefit and common development, Xi said.
Sisi said Egypt, the first Arab country to have established diplomatic ties with China, hopes to learn from China's successful experience in development.
Egypt hopes to align closely its development plans with the BRI and is committed to deepening Africa-China cooperation, Sisi said.
Egypt highly commends China for upholding justice in the Middle East issue, and hopes China continues to play a constructive role, Sisi said.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE)
President Xi Jinping meets with United Arab Emirates (UAE) Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is here to attend the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Thursday. [Wang Zhuangfei/China Daily]
China and the United Arab Emirates should bolster security cooperation in areas including counterterrorism and fighting extremism to jointly safeguard the security and stability of both nations and the region, Xi said in a meeting with UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
The establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership, signed during Xi's visit to the UAE in July, opened a new chapter in the development of bilateral relations, Xi said.
China sees the UAE as an important cooperative partner for the joint building of the Belt and Road, he said, adding that the nations should steadily push forward pragmatic cooperation with energy cooperation as the principal axis, and bolstered by bilateral cooperation in investment and infrastructure construction as well as high-tech sectors.
Xi also voiced China's support for the UAE's hosting in 2020 of the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East.
The UAE vice-president said the visit by Xi last year was a huge success and provided a boost for the development of bilateral ties.
The UAE attaches strategic importance to relations with China and firmly believes in bright prospects for China's development, he said.
Premier Li Keqiang also met with the UAE vice-president on Thursday.
Cyprus
President Xi Jinping (R) meets with his Cypriot counterpart Nicos Anastasiades, who is here to attend the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, in Beijing, capital of China, April 25, 2019. [Wang Zhuangfei/China Daily]
China and Cyprus should continue to support each other regarding their core interests and major concerns, expand bilateral cooperation and tap the potential of people-to-people exchanges, Xi said when meeting with Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades.
The two countries both have a long history and time-honored civilization and have set up an example of equal treatment and mutually beneficial cooperation between big and small countries for the international community, Xi said.
Cyprus is an important participant in the joint building of the Belt and Road, Xi said, adding that China hopes to deepen cooperation with Cyprus in areas including ports, shipping and infrastructure construction, and to discuss third-party cooperation in the Mediterranean region.
Xi said he hopes Cyprus will continue to play a positive role in promoting China-Europe ties.
Anastasiades said Cyprus will stick to the one-China policy and actively take part in the construction of the Belt and Road.
Cyprus will continue to be an important partner for China in the European Union, he said.
He added that he hopes China will support the United Nations peacekeeping troops in continuing to carry out their missions in Cyprus.
After the meeting, the two leaders witnessed the signing of bilateral cooperation documents.
Serbia
President Xi Jinping meets with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, who is here to attend the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Thursday.[Wang Zhuangfei/China Daily]
While meeting with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, Xi said that China and Serbia should deepen mutual cooperation and bring more benefits to people from both nations.
Since the two countries established a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2016, China and Serbia have steadily promoted cooperation in various areas, Xi said.
China and the Balkan nation have strengthened their mutual political trust and firmly support each other's core interests, Xi said. Serbia is an important country in the joint building of the Belt and Road, Xi added.
Xi called for joint efforts with Serbia to enhance multilateral and international cooperation, maintain multilateralism and promote global peace and development.
Vucic offered his congratulations on the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, saying that China's successful development has provided a good example for Serbia.
Serbia firmly supports and proactively takes part in Belt and Road cooperation, he said, adding that the initiative is bringing benefits to the people of Serbia and other countries of the world.
The major cooperation projects, including a Chinese-invested steel plant in Serbia, have greatly promoted the economic development of Serbia, he said.
Kenya
President Xi Jinping meets with Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Thursday.[Wang Zhuangfei/China Daily]
When meeting with Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, Xi called for greater synergy between development strategies and for maximizing the social and economic benefits of key programs such as railways.
Xi said that China appreciates Kenyatta's efforts on several occasions to refute wrongful accusations targeting China-Kenya and China-Africa cooperation, adding that Kenya was among the first countries to have signed a memorandum of understanding on joint building of the Belt and Road.
China is ready to fully begin joint building of the Belt and Road and realize outcomes from the 2018 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation to consolidate the positive momentum in various areas of cooperation between China and Kenya, as well as China and Africa, he said.
Xi added that China will encourage more Chinese businesses to invest in Kenya.
Kenyatta said the Belt and Road has enabled different countries to establish even closer trade connections and partnerships, and it has been widely recognized by the international community.
It has also helped promote the connectivity and industrialization processes of African countries, he said.
Kenya is willing to step up cooperation with China in infrastructure construction to enable the Belt and Road to further extend to central and western Africa, he said.
Uzbekistan
President Xi Jinping meets with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Thursday.[Wang Zhuangfei/China Daily]
While meeting with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Xi encouraged the alignment of Uzbekistan's development priorities with the Belt and Road Initiative.
Xi hailed Uzbekistan as a key hub of the ancient Silk Road throughout history and a significant participant and promoter of the BRI.
The two nations should promote trade, investment and transportation, and also strengthen infrastructure connectivity and expand energy cooperation, particularly in the new energy field, Xi said.
He added that the two nations should also deepen people-to-people, cultural and security exchanges as well as between local governments.
Calling Uzbekistan an important strategic partner of China, Xi said the country stands ready to join hands to pursue common development and prosperity and make joint efforts to preserve the peace and stability of Central Asia.
Mirziyoyev said his country considers China a sincere friend and he values the profound friendship with Xi. He also highly appreciates the significant and positive role that China plays in international affairs under the leadership of Xi, Mirziyoyev added.
Uzbekistan fully supports the BRI and is willing to promote the Central Asian region to become more involved in the initiative to raise the level of trade, investment and cross-border transport as well as deepen security cooperation, he said.
Vietnam
President Xi Jinping meets with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Thursday. [Wang Zhuangfei/China Daily]
In a meeting with Vietnam's Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Xi said China and Vietnam represent a strategically significant community with a shared future.
He called on the two sides to take effective actions to safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea.
Xi said the two countries should better leverage the mechanisms of exchanges between the two parties and deepen mutual learning based on experiences in governance.
The two nations should boost strategic connectivity between the Belt and Road Initiative and Vietnam's Two Corridors and One Economic Circle, and advance cooperation in infrastructure, production capacity and cross-border economic zones, he said.
Xi called for raising the level of connectivity between the two countries so as to move forward the coordinated development of the Greater Mekong Subregion.
Phuc called China a brother and close neighbor of Vietnam and said the two countries share a common socialist cause and similar development goals.
Vietnam supports China in making greater contributions to peace and prosperity to the region and the world at large, he said.
Also on Thursday, Xi sent a condolence message to his Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Phu Trong on the death of former Vietnamese president Le Duc Anh, expressing heartfelt condolences over Anh's death and sincere sympathy to all members of his family.
Philippines
President Xi Jinping meets with his Philippine counterpart Rodrigo Duterte at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Thursday.[Wang Zhuangfei/China Daily]
China and the Philippines should both honor their commitments and advocate partnership in ensuring the peace and stability of the South China Sea, Xi said in a meeting with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.
Xi said facts have proved that relations between the two countries follow a historical trend and conform to people's expectations.
He said that he had heart-to-heart and candid talks with Duterte during each of their meetings in order to promote the joint benefits of both countries and both peoples.
The two nations should adhere to the general direction of maintaining good, friendly relations, jointly work toward a new landscape of common development and exercise adequate wisdom to properly handle differences, he said.
The building of the Belt and Road fits well with the Build, Build, Build program of the Philippines, and bilateral cooperation has been more than effective, Xi said.
He said China will continue to support the efforts made by the Philippines to fight against terrorism and drugs.
Duterte said China is a long-term and reliable friend of the Philippines, and he is willing to work with Xi to ensure friendship and cooperation remain the overarching trend of bilateral relations.
The Philippines is fully confident in the joint building of the Belt and Road and is ready to use opportunities from Belt and Road cooperation to achieve national development targets, he said.
Premier Li Keqiang also met with Duterte on Thursday.
