BEIJING, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on media organizations from various countries to play a positive role in promoting the Belt and Road Initiative.
Xi made the remarks in a congratulatory letter to the 2016 Media Cooperation Forum on the Belt and Road, which opened in Beijing Tuesday.
The forum offers a platform for media institutions from around the world to engage in dialogue, exchanges and practical cooperation, Xi said.
Noting the importance of the media's role in transmitting information, boosting mutual trust and building consensus, Xi said he hopes media institutions can use the platform to promote the development of state-to-state relations, communication between people, and boost understanding and mutual trust.
The president said the Belt and Road Initiative upholds the principle of wide consultations, joint contributions and shared benefits, and has been widely recognized by countries along the Belt and Road.
The initiative, proposed by Xi in 2013, refers to the building of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road. It is aimed at building a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along ancient trade routes.
In the letter, Xi called for joint efforts in building a "green, healthy, intelligent and peaceful" Silk Road to benefit countries and people along the Belt and Road.
The conference, hosted by the People's Daily, has attracted participants of 212 media institutions from 101 countries.