STAUNCH CHAMPION OF ASIA-AFRICA COOPERATION

China has for long played a constructive and exemplary role in Asia-Africa cooperation, bringing out new visions and practical initiatives for the two continents to prosper side by side.

"China is an active champion and driver of Asia-Africa unity and cooperation. ... Under the new circumstances, China will continue to unswervingly promote Asia-Africa cooperation," Xi told the leaders and dignitaries from about 100 nations at the Jakarta summit.

During his visits to Kazakhstan and Indonesia in 2013, Xi put forward the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road initiatives, in a bid to rejuvenate win-win cooperation among nations along the ancient trade routes.

Thanks to the two comprehensive projects, Silk Road countries will be able to take a ride on the express train of China's economic growth, said Asanga Abeyagoonasekera, executive director of Sri Lanka's Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute for International Relations and Strategic Studies.

The Belt and Road initiatives, echoed former Pakistani Foreign Secretary Akram Zakisaid, are aimed not just at a revival of the historical Silk Road, but also at achieving co-prosperity in a peaceful way.

Meanwhile, the China-initiated Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), dedicated to improving regional infrastructure, is expected to start operation by the end of this year.

The enthusiasm that prompted 57 countries, including many from outside Asia, to join the AIIB as founding members is an eloquent testament to the all-win nature of the initiative.

China, Xi reaffirmed in Jakarta, stands ready to work with interested nations to realize the Belt and Road vision, build the AIIB into a high-quality and all-win institution and achieve common development and prosperity.

Also at the summit, Xi announced that China will, among other programs, provide 100,000 training opportunities for Asian and African developing nations in the coming five years and set up a China-Asia-Africa cooperation center.

Samuel Stevquoah, chief of staff at the office of Liberia's vice president, said he highly appreciates China's provision of training opportunities for developing countries.

"This is very important for us. We always look for opportunities to build the youth's capacity and make them stronger," he said.