Between October 17-20, Chinese President Xi Jinping carried out an extensive program of bilateral diplomatic engagements in the margins of the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.
His first reported meeting on October 17 was with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. He also met that morning with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, Chilean President Gabriel Boric, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, and James Marape, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea.
In the afternoon, he met with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and Indonesian President Joko Widodo.
Meeting his Kazakh counterpart, President Xi said that China supports Kazakhstan in safeguarding its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. No matter how the international situation changes, China and Kazakhstan should stay true to their original aspirations, help and support each other, pass on the belief in good-neighbourliness and friendship from generation to generation, and promote the continued development of the permanent comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.
The Chinese President emphasised that ten years ago, it was in Kazakhstan that he first put forward the initiative of jointly building the Silk Road Economic Belt. China firmly opposes interference by external forces in the internal affairs of Central Asian countries, and is ready to continue to strengthen communication and collaboration with Kazakhstan to promote China-Central Asia cooperation. China will also support Kazakhstan’s presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to help bring SCO cooperation to a new level.
President Tokayev responded that Kazakhstan is the place where President Xi Jinping first proposed the initiative of jointly building the Belt and Road, and Kazakhstan has firmly supported and actively participated in the initiative since day one. He added that Kazakhstan speaks highly of China’s impartial stance and active role in international affairs, including its efforts to promote the settlement of the Ukraine crisis, and is ready to strengthen multilateral communication and collaboration with China.
Meeting Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, Xi Jinping congratulated Ethiopia on joining the BRICS cooperation mechanism upon invitation, and pointed out that Ethiopia is an important participant in the development of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The two sides, he said, should be friends for common development and win-win cooperation and partners in promoting South-South solidarity and cooperation and safeguarding international fairness and justice. China is ready to work with Ethiopia to strengthen practical cooperation in various fields under such frameworks as the BRI and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), support and participate in Ethiopia’s post-war reconstruction and economic revitalisation, strengthen cooperation in green development, and implement the Global Development Initiative, to boost Ethiopia’s development effort.
Abiy Ahmed Ali said that during his current visit to Beijing, he finds the city is still more clean and beautiful and the people live in even greater happiness, which testifies to the tremendous effort and great achievements made by the Chinese government in recent years. Ethiopia’s relations with China are on the right path, and further strengthening bilateral relations is not only of crucial importance for Ethiopia, but also of great significance for South-South solidarity.
The two sides issued a Joint Statement between the People’s Republic of China and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia on the Establishment of an All-weather Strategic Partnership.
Meeting Chilean President Gabriel Boric, who was also paying a state visit to China, Xi Jinping pointed out that Chile was the first South American country to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China. Under the current circumstances, China is ready to work with Chile to carry forward the traditional friendship between the two countries, and constantly enrich the China-Chile comprehensive strategic partnership in the new era. China is ready to strengthen exchanges with Chile on governance experience, and share best practices in such areas as poverty elimination, green transition and environmental protection.
Boric said that Chile highly admires the Chinese civilisation, applauds and congratulates China on its great achievements in such areas as poverty alleviation and anti-corruption, and is grateful for China’s selfless help when the country was faced with the COVID-19 pandemic and other difficulties. Chile thinks of and plans for the development of relations with China from a long-term perspective, and hopes to take this visit as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation in such fields as environmental protection, poverty alleviation, energy, science and technology, and mining, and deepen people-to-people and cultural exchanges. It supports China in joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement, speaks highly of China’s commitment to the foreign policy of peace, and stands ready to keep closer communication and coordination with China within such multilateral frameworks as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), promote solidarity and cooperation among the Global South countries, and build a human community with a shared future.
After the talks, the two heads of state jointly witnessed the signing of multiple bilateral cooperation documents in such fields as Belt and Road cooperation, development cooperation, industrial investment, digital economy, scientific and technological innovation, customs inspection and quarantine, agriculture, the Antarctic Pole, and cooperation among small- and medium-sized enterprises.
Meeting Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Xi Jinping pointed out that Hungary was one of the first countries to recognise and establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China, and the traditional friendship between the two countries has a time-honoured history. He expressed deep appreciation for Hungary’s long and firm pursuit of a friendly policy toward China and active support for Belt and Road cooperation, and Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s attendance at the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation for three consecutive times. China is ready to continue to be a good friend and partner of mutual trust and win-win cooperation with Hungary, and take the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations next year as an opportunity to elevate the China-Hungary comprehensive strategic partnership to a new level and write a new chapter in China-Hungary friendly and cooperative relations.
Viktor Orbán said that the investment and cooperation carried out by Chinese enterprises, including the construction of the Budapest-Belgrade Railway, have significantly promoted the economic and social development of Hungary. Under the current complex situation, Hungary is firmly committed to deepening the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries, and will continue to be China’s trusted friend and partner in the European Union. Hungary opposes any decoupling and breakage of supply and industrial chains or the so-called “de-risking” practices, and stands ready to work with China to strengthen cooperation in such areas as economy, trade, investment and connectivity, and to deepen people-to-people and cultural exchanges.
In his meeting with Prime Minister James Marape, Xi Jinping pointed out that Papua New Guinea was one of the first Pacific island countries to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China. Over the past 47 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries has been increasingly mature and sound. China will firmly support Papua New Guinea in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests, and in following a development path suited to its own national conditions.
He said that Papua New Guinea was the first Pacific island country to sign a memorandum of understanding on Belt and Road cooperation and Belt and Road cooperation plans with China. Positive progress has been made in the construction of such projects as the Independence Boulevard in the capital Port Moresby as well as the Bukuta Academy, which have served as positive examples and pacesetters for Belt and Road cooperation between China and Pacific island countries.
Without mentioning any other country by name, but with an unmistakable meaning, President Xi emphasised that China always adheres to the principle that all countries, big or small, are equal, and advocates peace and harmony among neighbouring countries. China’s assistance to Pacific island countries falls within the domain of South-South cooperation, and is open, genuine and selfless, with no political strings attached. China does not seek any exclusive privileges, nor does China impose its will on Pacific island countries or pay lip service to its commitments. China fully respects the wishes and needs of Pacific island countries. China will continue to deepen cooperation with Pacific island countries, and support local economic and social development in the long run.
James Marape said that there has been a time-honoured history of friendly exchanges between the people of Papua New Guinea and China, and the Chinese community, who have played an important role in the national development of Papua New Guinea, have served as a strong bond of connections between the two cultures and peoples. President Xi Jinping’s visit to Papua New Guinea in 2018 has given a strong boost to the development of bilateral relations, and opened up a new chapter in bilateral ties. China’s selfless assistance to Papua New Guinea has delivered huge benefits to the people of the country. The people of Papua New Guinea greatly admire President Xi Jinping for his outstanding global leadership, and thank China for always treating Papua New Guinea as an equal and fully respecting Papua New Guinea’s sovereignty and independence.
Meeting President Aleksandar Vučić, Xi pointed out that Serbia is an ironclad friend of China, and bilateral relations have stood the test of the changing international situation and set a prime example of friendly relations between China and European countries. China firmly supports Serbia in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and will further enhance the synergy of development strategies with Serbia, and transform the traditional friendship between China and Serbia into more practical cooperation results.
Vučić said that China has always respected and treated Serbia as a partner on an equal footing, and provided valuable support to the country in times of difficulties. China’s assistance and cooperation have helped Serbia maintain sound economic development and delivered huge benefits to the Serbian people. Vučić said he was pleased that during this visit, the two sides will sign a free trade agreement and other cooperation documents, which will open up new prospects for bilateral cooperation.
Meeting President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Xi said that China supports Uzbekistan in safeguarding sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and firmly opposes any force’s interference in Uzbekistan’s internal affairs under any pretext. China stands ready to work with Uzbekistan to earnestly implement the outcomes of the China-Central Asia Summit, held in Xi’an in May, and to contribute to the development and revitalisation of the six countries.
Mirziyoyev said that China is Uzbekistan’s reliable partner of cooperation, and Uzbekistan’s relations with China have set a fine example of good-neighbourliness and mutual benefit between neighboring countries. The Belt and Road Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping is an open and inclusive project that Uzbekistan firmly supports and actively participates in. Uzbekistan hopes to learn from China’s poverty reduction experience and deepen exchanges and cooperation in various fields, such as trade and investment, connectivity, renewable energy, agriculture, people-to-people and cultural exchanges within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, and advance the building of the “Green Silk Road”. He noted that the China-Central Asia Summit mechanism is an important platform for regional countries to strengthen unity and achieve development. Uzbekistan is ready to work with China to promote the continued growth of this mechanism.
Meeting President Joko Widodo, who was also paying a state visit to China, Xi Jinping pointed out that Indonesia was the place where he first proposed the idea of jointly building a 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. The past ten years have seen the initiative come to fruition. The Jakarta-Bandung High-speed Railway, he added, is a signature project of China-Indonesia Belt and Road cooperation. China is ready work with Indonesia to summarise the successful experience to ensure high-quality operation of the railway, and cultivate a Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway economic belt. The two sides should also work closely to maintain ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) centrality, promote open regionalism, demonstrate the sense of responsibility expected of major developing countries, and work together to promote reforms of the global governance system, and safeguard international fairness and justice.
Widodo said that after meeting with President Xi Jinping in Chengdu more than two months ago, cooperation between the two countries has made further progress. The Jakarta-Bandung High-speed Railway has been completed on schedule this month and will be officially opened for operation. Indonesia regards China as an important strategic partner for economic development, and looks forward to further strengthening communication and cooperation with China to enhance mutual trust and develop an even closer relationship that will not only benefit the peoples of the two countries, but also contribute to regional peace and prosperity.
The following articles were originally published on the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
Xi Jinping Meets with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev
On October 17, President Xi Jinping met at the Great Hall of the People with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev who is in China to attend the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.
Xi Jinping pointed out that a healthy, stable and dynamic China-Kazakhstan relationship is conducive to the development and revitalization of the two countries as well as to the region’s peace and stability. China supports Kazakhstan in safeguarding its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. No matter how the international situation changes, China and Kazakhstan should stay true to their original aspirations, help and support each other, pass on the belief in good-neighborliness and friendship from generation to generation, and promote the continued development of the permanent comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.
Xi emphasized that ten years ago, it was in Kazakhstan that he first put forward the initiative of jointly building the Silk Road Economic Belt. The two sides should work more closely to deliver more outcomes in Belt and Road cooperation and bring greater benefits to the two peoples. China is ready to work with Kazakhstan to further facilitate trade and investment, and implement key investment cooperation projects in production capacity. China is ready to increase imports of Kazakhstan’s high-quality green agricultural products, expand green energy cooperation, strengthen connectivity, expand the scale of railroad freight transport between the two countries, boost the use of the trans-Caspian Sea international transport routes, and enhance the capacity, scale and efficiency of the China-Europe railway express. The two sides should tap the potential and foster new growth areas for cooperation, increase the synergy between the building of the “Digital Silk Road” and the strategy of “Digital Kazakhstan”, and promote exchanges in digital technologies including cross-border e-commerce, artificial intelligence, big data and blockchain. The China-Kazakhstan agreement on mutual visa exemption will soon come into force, and next year will be the Year of Kazakhstan Tourism in China. The two sides should strengthen cultural exchanges and cooperation at the sub-national level, promote the building of Luban workshop, and build stronger public support for bilateral relations. China firmly opposes interference by external forces in the internal affairs of Central Asian countries, and is ready to continue to strengthen communication and collaboration with Kazakhstan to promote China-Central Asia cooperation. China will also support Kazakhstan’s presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to help bring the SCO cooperation to a new level.
Tokayev said he is very delighted to be invited to China to attend the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. Kazakhstan is the place where President Xi Jinping first proposed the initiative of jointly building the Belt and Road, and Kazakhstan has firmly supported and actively participated in the initiative since day one. Over the past ten years, China has become a leading major country in the world, and made brilliant achievements in jointly building the Belt and Road. Kazakhstan wishes and believes that this forum will be a complete success. Tokayev recalled President Xi Jinping’s successful state visit to Kazakhstan in September last year, noting that it has given strong impetus to the development of the permanent comprehensive strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and China. The relevant departments of the two sides have been earnestly implementing the common understandings of the two heads of state, and have made progress in cooperation in relevant fields. Tokayev said China is a friend and partner Kazakhstan can always trust. The Kazakh side is ready to work with the Chinese side to continue to firmly support each other, deepen practical cooperation, and enhance people-to-people and cultural exchanges in a joint effort to usher in a new golden 30 years for bilateral relations. Kazakhstan speaks highly of China’s impartial stance and active role in international affairs, including its efforts to promote the settlement of the Ukraine crisis, and is ready to strengthen multilateral communication and collaboration with China.
The two heads of state witnessed the signing of multiple bilateral cooperation documents in such fields as connectivity and economic development.
Cai Qi and Wang Yi attended the above the activities.
Xi Jinping Meets with Prime Minister of Ethiopia Abiy Ahmed Ali
On the morning of October 17, 2023, President Xi Jinping met at the Great Hall of the People with Prime Minister of Ethiopia Abiy Ahmed Ali who is in China to attend the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation and pay an official visit to China.
Xi Jinping congratulated Ethiopia on joining the BRICS cooperation mechanism upon invitation, and pointed out that Ethiopia is an important participant in the development of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Xi said over the past ten years, the China-Ethiopia BRI cooperation has been wide-ranging, fruitful and pace-setting in Africa. The two sides need to take the establishment of the all-weather strategic partnership as an opportunity to constantly strengthen friendship and mutual trust, deepen practical cooperation, and move forward bilateral relations to yield more outcomes. The two sides should be friends for common development and win-win cooperation and partners in promoting South-South solidarity and cooperation and safeguarding international fairness and justice.
Xi Jinping emphasized that China supports Ethiopia in safeguarding its sovereignty, security and development interests. The two sides should continue to strengthen solidarity and cooperation, and firmly support each other on issues involving each other’s core interests and major concerns. China is ready to work with Ethiopia to strengthen practical cooperation in various fields under such frameworks as the BRI and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, support and participate in Ethiopia’s post-war reconstruction and economic revitalization, strengthen cooperation in green development, and implement the Global Development Initiative, to boost Ethiopia’s development effort. Ethiopia is a strong country in marathon race. China is ready to work with Ethiopia to carry forward the marathon spirit, and work jointly to promote peace and development, and build a community with a shared future for mankind.
Abiy Ahmed Ali said that during his current visit to Beijing, he finds the city is still more clean and beautiful and the people live in even greater happiness, which testifies to the tremendous effort and great achievements made by the Chinese government in recent years. China is Ethiopia’s important partner, and China’s investment and cooperation, in particular BRI cooperation, has strongly boosted Ethiopia’s economic and social development. Ethiopia’s relations with China are on the right path, and further strengthening bilateral relations is not only of crucial importance for Ethiopia, but also of great significance for South-South solidarity. Ethiopia hopes to learn from China’s experience in party governance and state administration, looks forward to continuing to advance BRI cooperation with China and carrying out closer cooperation in key fields, and welcomes more Chinese enterprises to Ethiopia for investment. The Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative put forth by President Xi Jinping epitomize equality, openness and mutual respect, and are conducive to promoting common development. Ethiopia highly appreciates and actively supports the initiatives, and stands ready to cooperate closely with China to promote their implementation.
The two sides issued a Joint Statement between the People’s Republic of China and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia on the Establishment of All-weather Strategic Partnership.
Cai Qi and Wang Yi were present at the above event.
Xi Jinping Holds Talks with President of Chile Gabriel Boric
On the morning of October 17, 2023, President Xi Jinping held talks at the Great Hall of the People with President of Chile Gabriel Boric who is in China to attend the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation and pay a state visit to China.
Xi Jinping pointed out that Chile was the first South American country to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China, and also a forerunner in Belt and Road cooperation between China and Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Chile more than half a century ago, bilateral relations have all along maintained steady and sound development, and bilateral cooperation in various fields has promoted the development and revitalization of both countries and brought tangible benefits to the two peoples. China and Chile have become good friends of mutual trust and good partners for common development. Under the current circumstances, China is ready to work with Chile to carry forward the traditional friendship between the two countries, and constantly enrich the China-Chile comprehensive strategic partnership in the new era.
Xi Jinping profoundly expounded on the essential elements of Chinese modernization. Xi emphasized that China and Chile share similar ideals, and are both committed to mutual respect and mutual benefit. The two sides should continue to firmly support each other in following a development path suited to its own national conditions, and firmly support each other’s core interests and major concerns. The two sides should take the signing of the Belt and Road cooperation plan as an opportunity to strengthen synergy of development strategies, advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, deepen cooperation in traditional fields such as economy, trade and infrastructure, and foster new growth drivers for cooperation in such fields as clean energy, digital economy and scientific and technological innovation, so that Chile will become a leading country in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation between LAC countries and China. China is ready to strengthen exchanges with Chile on governance experience, and share best practices in such areas as poverty elimination, green transition and environmental protection. China welcomes more quality agricultural products and specialties from Chile to Chinese market, encourages Chinese enterprises to engage in cooperation on major projects in Chile, and stands ready to strengthen cooperation with Chile in Chinese language teaching and at the sub-national level, facilitate personnel exchanges, and further consolidate public support for China-Chile relations. The two sides also need to strengthen people-to-people and cultural exchanges, promote mutual learning among civilizations, and play an exemplary role in implementing the Global Civilization Initiative. China and Chile are both Global South countries, and China is ready to strengthen communication and cooperation with Chile within such frameworks as the United Nations and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation to uphold solidarity and cooperation among developing countries and safeguard true multilateralism and free trade. Attaching great importance to the development of China-LAC relations, China appreciates Chile’s positive contributions to the development of China-LAC relations and the development of the Forum of China and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, and hopes that Chile will, as always, play its unique role in promoting cooperation between China and LAC countries.
Gabriel Boric said that he is very honored to come to China to attend the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation and pay a state visit to China. Chile has created many “firsts” in the development of LAC-China relations, and is deeply proud of that. Chile highly admires the Chinese civilization, applauds and congratulates China on its great achievements in such areas as poverty alleviation and anti-corruption, and is grateful for China’s selfless help when the country was faced with the COVID-19 pandemic and other difficulties. Chile is always firmly committed to the one-China principle, and will continue to give China firm support on various occasions. The Belt and Road Initiative put forth by President Xi Jinping is rooted in the traditional Chinese culture of more than 5,000 years, is based on the principle of equality and mutual respect, and has become an important platform for countries around the world to carry out mutually beneficial cooperation and an important opportunity to realize common development. Chile speaks highly of and will continue to actively participate in the initiative. Chile thinks of and plans for the development of relations with China from a long-term perspective, and hopes to take this visit as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation in such fields as environmental protection, poverty alleviation, energy, science and technology, and mining, and deepen people-to-people and cultural exchanges. Chile welcomes Chinese enterprises to the country for investment cooperation, and is ready to build on the past achievements to take Chile-China relations to a new stage of higher-level development. Chile supports China in joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement, speaks highly of China’s commitment to the foreign policy of peace, and stands ready to keep closer communication and coordination with China within such multilateral frameworks as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, promote solidarity and cooperation among the Global South countries, and build a human community with a shared future. Chile hopes to become a hub of cooperation between China and LAC countries, and play a positive role in advancing the LAC-China relations.
After the talks, the two heads of state jointly witnessed the signing of multiple bilateral cooperation documents in such fields as Belt and Road cooperation, development cooperation, industrial investment, digital economy, scientific and technological innovation, customs inspection and quarantine, agriculture, the Antarctic Pole, and cooperation among small- and medium-sized enterprises.
The two sides issued a Joint Statement between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Chile.
Before the talks, Xi Jinping held a welcoming ceremony for Gabriel Boric at the North Hall of the Great Hall of the People and accompanied Gabriel Boric to review the guard of honor of the People’s Liberation Army and watch the march-past.
Cai Qi and Wang Yi were present at the above events.
Xi Jinping Meets with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán
On the morning of October 17, 2023, President Xi Jinping met at the Great Hall of the People with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán who is in China to attend the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.
Xi Jinping pointed out that Hungary was one of the first countries to recognize and establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China, and the traditional friendship between the two countries has a time-honored history. In recent years, China-Hungary relations have been developing at a high level. The two sides have witnessed the continuous deepening of political mutual trust, fruitful results in mutually beneficial cooperation, rich and colorful people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and sound coordination in international and regional affairs, especially in the joint fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, which have strengthened the friendship between the two countries. Xi Jinping expressed deep appreciation for Hungary’s long and firm pursuit of a friendly policy toward China and active support for Belt and Road cooperation, and Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s attendance at the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation for three consecutive times. China is ready to continue to be a good friend and partner of mutual trust and win-win cooperation with Hungary, and take the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations next year as an opportunity to elevate the China-Hungary comprehensive strategic partnership to a new level and write a new chapter in China-Hungary friendly and cooperative relations.
Xi Jinping stressed that China stands ready to work with Hungary to enhance exchanges of experience with Hungary in party governance and state administration, firmly support each other’s chosen development path, seek greater synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and Hungary’s “Opening to the East” policy, and share development opportunities and outcomes. The two sides should work for the completion and opening of the Budapest-Belgrade Railway on schedule, run the Central European Trade and Logistics Cooperation Zone well, increase the size of cross-border e-commerce, and expand cooperation in information technology and new energy industries. China is ready to increase the import of high-quality agricultural products from Hungary. The two sides should make good use of the platform of cultural centers established in each other’s country, and encourage the teaching of the two countries’ languages, so as to enable the traditional friendship between China and Hungary to be passed down from generation to generation. The cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) serves the common interests of both China and CEEC. China is ready to work with Hungary to continue to steer China-CEEC cooperation in the right direction, enrich China-CEEC cooperation, and contribute to the steady and sustained development of China-EU relations.
Viktor Orbán said that with President Xi Jinping’s personal care and support, Hungary-China relations have maintained sound development and achieved fruitful results in recent years. The investment and cooperation carried out by Chinese enterprises, including the construction of the Budapest-Belgrade Railway, have significantly promoted the economic and social development of Hungary. The Hungarian side firmly believes that the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping will bring major changes to the world, help promote world economic development, and deliver more benefits to people of all countries. The Hungarian side firmly supports and will continue to actively participate in the initiative. Under the current complex situation, Hungary is firmly committed to deepening the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries, and will continue to be China’s trusted friend and partner in the European Union. Hungary opposes any decoupling and breakage of supply and industrial chains or the so-called “de-risking” practices, and stands ready to work with China to strengthen cooperation in such areas as economy, trade, investment and connectivity, and deepen people-to-people and cultural exchanges. Hungary will continue to actively promote CEEC-China cooperation and work for sound and stable development of EU-China relations.
Cai Qi and Wang Yi attended the meeting.
Xi Jinping Meets with Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea James Marape
On the morning of October 17, 2023, President Xi Jinping met at the Great Hall of the People with Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea James Marape who is in China to attend the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation and pay an official visit to China.
Xi Jinping pointed out that Papua New Guinea was one of the first Pacific island countries to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China. Over the past 47 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries has been increasingly mature and sound. China appreciates Papua New Guinea’s commitment to the one-China principle and its firm support for China on issues involving China’s core interests and major concerns. China will also firmly support Papua New Guinea in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests, and in following a development path suited to its own national conditions. China stands ready to work with Papua New Guinea to carry forward traditional friendship, consolidate political mutual trust, and expand areas of cooperation to the benefit of the two peoples.
Xi Jinping emphasized that Papua New Guinea was the first Pacific island country to sign a memorandum of understanding on Belt and Road cooperation and Belt and Road cooperation plans with China. Positive progress has been made in the construction of such projects as the Independence Boulevard of Port Moresby and Bukuta Academy, which have served as positive examples and pacesetters for Belt and Road cooperation between China and Pacific island countries. China will continue with the high-quality Belt and Road cooperation with Papua New Guinea, share development opportunities brought by Chinese modernization, synergize development strategies of the two countries in a well-targeted manner, strengthen cooperation in such fields as infrastructure, agriculture, forestry and fishery, clean energy and climate change, and help Papua New Guinea realize industrialization and modernization.
Xi Jinping emphasized that China always adheres to the principle that all countries, big or small, are equal, and advocates peace and harmony among neighboring countries. China’s assistance to Pacific island countries falls within the domain of South-South cooperation, and is open, genuine and selfless with no political strings attached. China does not seek any exclusive privileges, nor does China impose its will on Pacific island countries or pay lip service to its commitments. China fully respects the wishes and needs of Pacific island countries. China will continue to deepen cooperation with Pacific island countries, and support local economic and social development in the long run. China supports Papua New Guinea in playing a bigger role in international and regional affairs, and stands ready to strengthen communication and coordination with Papua New Guinea on major international and regional issues to safeguard the common interests of developing countries.
James Marape said that there has been a time-honored history of friendly exchanges between the people of Papua New Guinea and China, and the Chinese community, who have played an important role in the national development of Papua New Guinea, have served as a strong bond of connections between the two cultures and peoples. President Xi Jinping’s visit to Papua New Guinea in 2018 has given a strong boost to the development of bilateral relations, and opened up a new chapter in bilateral ties. China’s selfless assistance to Papua New Guinea has delivered huge benefits to the people of the country. The people of Papua New Guinea greatly admire President Xi Jinping for his outstanding global leadership, and thank China for always treating Papua New Guinea as an equal and fully respecting Papua New Guinea’s sovereignty and independence. Papua New Guinea is firmly committed to the one-China principle, and maintains that China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected. Strengthening cooperation with China is not only of great significance for Papua New Guinea but also important for the world. Papua New Guinea will work with China to continue to firmly support each other, deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership, strengthen cooperation in various fields within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, facilitate mutually beneficial cooperation between South Pacific countries and China, and jointly create a brighter future for relations between Pacific island countries and China.
The two sides issued a Joint Statement between the People’s Republic of China and the Independent State of Papua New Guinea.
Cai Qi and Wang Yi were present at the meeting.
Xi Jinping Meets with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić
On the afternoon of October 17, 2023, President Xi Jinping met at the Great Hall of the People with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić who is in China to attend the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.
Xi pointed out that Serbia is an ironclad friend of China, and bilateral relations have stood the test of the changing international situation and set a prime example of friendly relations between China and European countries. Cooperation between the two countries in such fields as infrastructure development and production capacity has yielded fruitful results, with practical cooperation growing in depth and breadth and improving in quality and efficiency. Xi noted that the important common understandings he reached with President Vučić in February last year to open direct flights between the two countries and negotiate and sign bilateral free trade agreement have been implemented and will inject new momentum into the development of China-Serbia relations in the new era.
Xi Jinping emphasized that in the face of profound changes of international landscape unseen in a century, both sides need to view China-Serbia relations from a strategic height and long-term perspective, firmly support each other on their respective core interests and major concerns, and back each other’s chosen path of development. China firmly supports Serbia in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and will further enhance the synergy of development strategies with Serbia, and transform the traditional friendship between China and Serbia into more practical cooperation results. Xi noted that both sides need to work together to build and operate well the Hungary-Serbia Railway, bring into full play the economic and social benefits of such projects as the HBIS Smederevo Steel Mill, and take solid steps to promote cooperation in key areas like infrastructure development. At the same time, both sides need to work actively to foster new growth drivers for cooperation in digital economy, technological innovation and other fields. Both sides also need to comprehensively strengthen cooperation in culture, education, tourism, sports and other fields to give the ironclad friendship between China and Serbia new glories in the new era.
Vučić said he has led a large government delegation to China to attend the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, which has demonstrated Serbia’s respect and friendship for China and the importance Serbia attaches to China. Vučić noted that the Serbia-China relationship has withstood various tests, and Serbia firmly follows a friendly policy toward China and stands with China on all China-related issues. Serbia is firmly committed to the one-China policy, and is proud of the ironclad friendship it has with China. China has always respected and treated Serbia as a partner on an equal footing, and provided valuable support to the country in times of difficulties. China’s assistance and cooperation have helped Serbia maintain sound economic development and delivered huge benefits to the Serbian people. Vučić said he was pleased that during this visit, the two sides will sign a free trade agreement and other cooperation documents, which will open up new prospects for bilateral cooperation. Serbia fully supports the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping, and will continue to actively participate in the Belt and Road cooperation and deepen friendly cooperation in various fields. He expressed the hope that the two sides will further strengthen people-to-people and cultural exchanges.
After the meeting, the two heads of state witnessed the signing of bilateral cooperation documents including the Mid-Term Action Plan for Belt and Road Cooperation, Memorandum of Understanding on Industrial and Investment Cooperation and the Free Trade Agreement.
Cai Qi and Wang Yi attended the above events.
Xi Jinping Meets with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev
On the afternoon of October 17, 2023, President Xi Jinping met at the Great Hall of the People with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of the Republic of Uzbekistan who is in China to attend the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.
Recalling the successful meeting he had with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Xi’an in May this year, Xi Jinping noted that the important common understandings they reached at the meeting on the development of bilateral relations is being fully implemented. China is building itself into a great modern socialist country in all respects and advancing the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization. Uzbekistan has introduced the “Uzbekistan-2030” strategy. China and Uzbekistan share similar goals and ideas for development. China is ready to take the opportunity of the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative to work jointly with Uzbekistan to build a China-Uzbekistan community with a shared future by learning from and supporting each other and contributing to each other’s success in their respective modernization drives, thus injecting more certainty and positive energy into regional peace and prosperity.
Xi Jinping emphasized that the two sides need to continue to firmly support each other. China supports Uzbekistan in safeguarding sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and firmly opposes any force’s interference in Uzbekistan’s internal affairs under any pretext. The two sides need to effectively implement their medium- and long-term plan for economic and trade cooperation, advance cooperation in key areas, and create the right conditions for the early start of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project. China supports expanding cooperation in new energy, innovation and at the sub-national level, and is ready to expand the import of high-quality products from Uzbekistan. China welcomes more young people from Uzbekistan to study in China and would like to provide more scholarships to the Uzbek side. Both sides also need to accelerate the establishment of cultural centers and Luban Workshops in each other’s country, and strengthen experience sharing and cooperation in poverty reduction. China stands ready to work with Uzbekistan to earnestly implement the outcomes of the China-Central Asia Summit in Xi’an and contribute to the development and revitalization of the six countries.
Mirziyoyev said that under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, China has overcome various challenges and made remarkable achievements, which Uzbekistan greatly admires. China is Uzbekistan’s reliable partner of cooperation, and Uzbekistan’s relations with China have set a fine example of good-neighborliness and mutual benefit between neighboring countries. The Belt and Road Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping is an open and inclusive project that Uzbekistan firmly supports and actively participates in. Uzbekistan hopes to learn from China’s poverty reduction experience and deepen exchanges and cooperation in various fields such as trade and investment, connectivity, renewable energy, agriculture, people-to-people and cultural exchanges within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, and advance the building of the “Green Silk Road”. Uzbekistan firmly adheres to the one-China principle and fully supports the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping. Uzbekistan is ready to work with China to earnestly implement the important common understandings reached between the two heads of state to open up new chapters in bilateral relations and build a community with a shared future. Mirziyoyev noted that the China-Central Asia Summit mechanism is an important platform for regional countries to strengthen unity and achieve development. Uzbekistan is ready to work with China to promote the continued growth of this mechanism.
Cai Qi and Wang Yi attended the above event.
Xi Jinping Holds Talks with Indonesian President Joko Widodo
On the afternoon of October 17, President Xi Jinping held talks at the Great Hall of the People with Indonesian President Joko Widodo who is in China to attend the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation and pay a state visit.
Xi Jinping pointed out that Indonesia was the place where he first proposed the idea of jointly building a 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. The past ten years have seen the initiative come to fruition. Following the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, and complementing each other’s strengths, China and Indonesia have worked together for joint development and brought great benefits to the two peoples, setting an important example of Belt and Road cooperation to the world. China will continue to support each other with Indonesia on the road to modernity and national rejuvenation, and will work with Indonesia to build a China-Indonesia community with a shared future to steer bilateral relations toward long-term and steady development, boost each other’s effort for rejuvenation, and provide an inexhaustible source of strength for international and regional peace and prosperity.
Xi Jinping emphasized that China will continue to view and develop relations with Indonesia from a strategic height and long-term perspective, make good use of existing mechanisms to deepen all-round strategic cooperation, increase mutual support on issues involving each other’s core interests and major concerns, and work hand in hand to pursue a path of modernization suited to their respective national conditions. The Jakarta-Bandung High-speed Railway is a signature project of China-Indonesia Belt and Road cooperation. China is ready work with Indonesia to summarize the successful experience to ensure high-quality operation of the railway, and cultivate a Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway economic belt. Xi noted that the two sides need to deepen the integration of industrial and supply chains, and make joint effort to promote construction of the “Regional Comprehensive Economic Corridor” and “Two Countries, Twin Parks”. China supports relevant localities and enterprises in China in participating in the construction of major projects such as Indonesia’s new capital and North Kalimantan Industrial Park, and is ready to continue to increase import of high-quality agricultural and fishery products from Indonesia, expand and strengthen cooperation in emerging industries such as digital economy, photovoltaics and new energy vehicles, and actively carry out exchanges and cooperation in the fields of food and agriculture technology, poverty alleviation, medical and health care, education, culture, tourism and youth. The two sides should also work closely to maintain ASEAN centrality, promote open regionalism, demonstrate the sense of responsibility expected of major developing countries, and work together to promote reforms of the global governance system, and safeguard international fairness and justice.
Widodo said that after meeting with President Xi Jinping in Chengdu more than two months ago, cooperation between the two countries has made further progress. The Jakarta-Bandung High-speed Railway has been completed on schedule this month and will be officially opened for operation. Widodo said he fully shares President Xi Jinping’s views on the development of bilateral relations. Indonesia regards China as an important strategic partner for economic development, and looks forward to further strengthening communication and cooperation with China to enhance mutual trust and develop an even closer relationship that will not only benefit the peoples of the two countries, but also contribute to regional peace and prosperity. Widodo noted that Indonesia will continue to engage in high-quality cooperation with China on Belt and Road, and welcomes more Chinese enterprises to participate in the construction of Indonesia’s new capital and the North Kalimantan Industrial Park, and to help speed up major projects such as “Regional Comprehensive Economic Corridor” and “Two Countries, Twin Parks”. Indonesia also looks forward to expanding agricultural exports to China and scaling up cooperation in such fields as electric vehicles, finance and energy security. Indonesia appreciates the series of important initiatives put forward by President Xi Jinping and is willing and ready to better synergize the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific with the Belt and Road Initiative to help realize common development in the region and the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
After the talks, the two heads of state jointly inaugurated the official operation of the Jakarta-Bandung High-speed Railway and witnessed the signing of a number of bilateral cooperation documents on the establishment of a coordination mechanism for Belt and Road cooperation, implementation of the Global Development Initiative, rural development and poverty reduction, sustainable development, inspection and quarantine and so on.
The two sides will issue a joint statement between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Indonesia on deepening all-round strategic cooperation.
Before the talks, Xi held a welcoming ceremony for Widodo in the North Hall of the Great Hall of the People, and accompanied him to inspect the Guard of Honor of the People’s Liberation Army and watch the march-past.
Cai Qi and Wang Yi attended the above events.
