China committed to stronger global ties through BRI: Chinese envoy to Malawi

LILONGWE, April 24 (Xinhua) -- China remains committed to strengthening global ties to enhance international relations and economic development, Chinese Ambassador to Malawi Liu Hongyang said here Tuesday.

Liu made the remark when he briefed local journalists on the forthcoming second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF) slated for April 25-27 in Beijing.

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), proposed by China in 2013, aims to build trade and infrastructure networks connecting Asia with Europe and Africa on and beyond the ancient Silk Road routes. The initiative comprises the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.

Liu said during the upcoming BRF, China, together with representatives from more than 150 countries and 90 international organizations, will take stock of what has so far been achieved since the first edition in May 2017, and draw a blueprint for future BRI cooperation.

"During the leaders' roundtable, a joint communique is expected to be released to show the political consensus on BRI," he noted.

He added that through the BRI, China will further enhance connectivity in policy, infrastructure, trade, finance and people-to-people ties, and embrace an economic globalization that is more open, inclusive and balanced to build a community with a shared future for mankind.