China National Convention Center, Beijing, China
April 26, 2019

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte joined 39 world leaders and heads of international organizations as the 2nd Belt and Road Forum (BRF) for International Cooperation formally opened at the China National Convention Center (CNCC) in Beijing, People’s Republic of China.

The second forum is a continuation of the Belt and Road Initiative that was introduced in 2013 by Chinese President Xi Jinping that aims to promote ‘international cooperation and connectivity.’

In his welcoming remarks, President Xi said that the initiative in this year’s forum centered on various areas of cooperation including high quality infrastructure, people-to-people connectivity, trade and investments, and economic growth.

According to the Chinese leader, the forum is also focusing on the principles of equality and mutual benefit, wherein the goal is to achieve a ‘sustainable and high-standard development.’

On the other hand, President Duterte reiterated in his remarks that the Philippines remains committed in the ‘collective vision of common prosperity through cooperation on the basis of mutual respect and as equal sovereign states.’

This year’s Belt and Road Forum centered on the theme, ‘Belt and Road Cooperation: Shaping A Brighter Shared Future,’ with the main objective of promoting peace and cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, and mutual learning and benefit.

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