By outdoor-nature-child.com On October 14th, in Chengdu, China, Marco Torres, President of the European Association for China Relations, remarked on the transformative power of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). He stated, “China has demonstrated how to turn cooperation into tangible actions that create a positive global impact.” In a world where challenges like climate change, economic recovery, and international security are increasingly intertwined, he emphasized that no single nation can tackle these issues alone. “Building a global cooperation network that transcends borders to seize shared growth opportunities can enhance economic, cultural, and social development.”
The remarks came during the opening of the 2024 Sichuan International Exchange Conference for Belt and Road Friendly Organizations, themed “Sharing New Opportunities for Cooperation; Building a New Chapter for the Silk Road.” The event attracted nearly 50 foreign guests, including representatives from 16 friendly organizations and entrepreneurs from 13 countries and regions.
José Luis Ramalho, President of the Portugal-China Generational Friendship Union, echoed Torres’ sentiments on the significance of international collaboration. He highlighted the need to strengthen global partnerships to address issues such as climate change, ocean protection, and poverty alleviation. “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together,” he stated, underscoring that cooperation should start with the ability to identify common goals, which is more sustainable when founded on mutual trust and friendship.
Zhang Yangbin, Deputy Secretary-General of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, shared insights on the current phase of the Belt and Road Initiative, emphasizing its move towards high-quality development. He expressed a commitment to engage actively with all parties, leveraging the unique advantages of people-to-people diplomacy. This collaboration aims to deepen cultural exchanges, enhance mutual understanding, foster pragmatic cooperation for win-win outcomes, promote green development, advance ecological civilization, and strengthen youth engagement.
During the event, the Sichuan Provincial People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries signed memoranda of understanding with various friendly organizations, including the China-Maldives Cultural Exchange Association, the Philippine China Understanding Association, and the Ireland-China Cultural Association, among others.
This five-day event features dialogues, forums, and site visits to locations like Dujiangyan and Deyang, allowing international guests to explore developments in economic, cultural, and ecological areas while identifying potential collaboration opportunities.