2022 World Canal Cities Forum Opens Yang Jiechi Attends and Addresses the Opening Ceremony

On June 27, 2022, the 2022 World Canal Cities Forum was held in Yangzhou city, Jiangsu Province. Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs Yang Jiechi attended and addressed the opening ceremony.

Yang Jiechi said that canals are great works created by humankind. Under the theme of "Heritage Protection and Sustainable Development of Canal Cities", the forum will inject new impetus into the prosperity and development of canal cities in the world, people-to-people exchanges and cooperation between China and foreign countries and the promotion of sustainable development agenda.

Yang Jiechi stressed that we need to build on our achievements in the protection, passing on and utilization of the Grand Canal culture, further implement the important instructions of General Secretary Xi Jinping, adhere to the people-centered development philosophy, protect the Grand Canal, make it benefit the people forever, and promote international exchanges and cooperation.

Yang Jiechi pointed out that several days ago, President Xi Jinping chaired the High-level Dialogue on Global Development, calling on all parties to work together to foster a development paradigm featuring benefits for all, balance, coordination, inclusiveness, win-win cooperation and common prosperity. The dialogue has been a complete success. He looks forward to the participation of all parties in cooperation under the Global Development Initiative to form the strongest synergy for the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. He hopes that from a new starting point, the World Canal Cities Forum will continue to explore innovative forms and rich content, and contribute more wisdom and strength to promoting people-to-people exchanges among countries and mutual learning among civilizations. China is ready to work with countries around the world to explore new ideas and new paths to address common challenges for humanity and build a community with a shared future for mankind.

Political dignitaries and delegates at the meeting said that the World Canal Cities Forum is an important platform for advancing international exchanges and cooperation, and strengthening the exchange and sharing of experience through the forum will surely contribute to promoting friendship and cooperation among countries and boosting sustainable development and common prosperity.