The Belt and Road Initiative: Inspirations and Opportunities International Conference was held in Istanbul, Turkey on 12th Dec. 2014. The conference, aiming at promoting the Belt and Road Initiative, was co-hosted by Development Research Center of the State Council (DRC), the Prime Minister's Office of Turkey, Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Center for International Relations and Sustainable Development (CIRSD), Center for Strategic Research (SAM), and Foundation for Political, Economic and Social Research (SETA).

Over 40 high-level government officials and experts from think tanks and academic institutions from 13 countries, regions and international organizations, delivered speeches and participated in the discussion during the conference, which saw more than 200 representatives present. H.E. Prof. Ahmet Davuto?lu, Prime Minister of Turkey, and H.E. Mr. Mevlüt ?avu?o?lu, Foreign Minister of Turkey, sent welcoming written messages. Speakers included H.E. Dr. Igor Luk?i?, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Montenegro, H.E. Mr. Mile Janakieski, Minister of Transport and Communications of Macedonia, H.E. Mr. Dorjan Du?ka, Deputy Minister of Energy and Industry of Albania, H. E. Mr. Shaukat Aziz, former Prime Minister of Pakistan, H.E. Mr. Miguel ángel Moratinos Cuyaubé, former Foreign Minister of Spain, etc.

Focused on the Belt and Road Initiative, representatives communicated frankly and discussed profoundly on issues of international trade, infrastructure, cultural exchanges, sustainable development, and cooperation among think tanks. The conference achieved expected goals and enjoyed complete success. Representatives of think tanks reached consensus on establishing a platform for think-tank cooperation. Establishing the Silk Roads Think-Tank Network, a joint proposal of DRC and CIRSD, received active support and positive response from attendees.

President Li Wei, leading the delegation of China, attended the conference and delivered a keynote speech "Joining Hands in Working toward Building Modern Silk Road with Prosperity, Inclusiveness and Sustainability through Mutually Beneficial and Win-win Cooperation". Vice President Mr. Zhang Junkuo made the concluding speech. Dr. Long Guoqiang, member of the CPC Leading Group and Director-general of the General Office, moderated the first session of the conference and gave a speech during the fifth session. Dr. Cheng Guoqiang, Director-general of Department of International Cooperation, Mr. Hou Yongzhi, Director-general of Department of Development Strategy and Regional Economy, and Mr. Zhao Jinping, Director-general of Research Department of Foreign Economic Relations, also delivered speeches during the conference. Chinese representatives also included Dr. Lai Youwei, Deputy Director-general of the General Office, DRC, Mr. Gao Zhenting, Counsellor of Department of International Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Ou Xiaoli, Deputy Director-general, Department of Western Development, National Development and Reform Commission of China, Dr. Zhang Yuyan, Director-general, Institute of World Economics and Politics, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Dr. Zhai Kun, Professor at School of International Studies, Peking University, Dr. Sha Wutian, Deptuy Director of Literature Institute, Dunhuang Academy, Mr. Yu Hongyang, Ambassador of China to Turkey, and Mr. Gu Jingqi, Chinese Consul-general to Istanbul.

While in Turkey the DRC Delegation also visited Kumport Terminal and China Shipping Group in Istanbul. The Delegation later attended a symposium with Chinese enterprises in Turkey and exchanged ideas on investment, trade and business in Turkey. Enterprises present at the symposium included Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, China Shipping, Huawei, Zhongxing Telecommunications Equipment, China Railway Construction Corporation, China Southern Airlines, and China Telecom.

President Li Wei, leading the delegation of China, attends the conference and delivers a keynote speech "Joining Hands in Working toward Building Modern Silk Road with Prosperity, Inclusiveness and Sustainability through Mutually Beneficial and Win-win Cooperation".

President Li Wei attends the conference and delivers a keynote speech.

For more information about The Belt and Road Initiative: Inspirations and Opportunities International Conference, please click here.