Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2018 in Boao, south China's Hainan Province, April 10, 2018. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)
Keynote Speech by H.E. Xi Jinping
President of the People's Republic of China
At the Opening of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2018
Boao, 10 April 2018
Your Excellencies Heads of State and Government,
Heads of International Organizations,
Ministers,
Incumbent and Incoming Members of the Board of Directors of the Boao Forum for Asia,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Friends,
Hainan today greets us with green mountains, blue ocean, gentle breeze and warm sunshine. In this beautiful season of spring, we gather here for the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2018. Such a gathering of friends, both old and new, is always a pleasant occasion, and to quote the lyrics of a Hainan folk song, "It has been a long time since we last met, and I hope it will be a long time before we have to part." [Special coverage]
Let me begin by extending, on behalf of the Chinese government and people and in my own name, sincere welcome to all the distinguished guests attending the Forum, and warm congratulations on the opening of the conference.
Since its inception, with a focus on Asia and a global perspective, the Boao Forum for Asia has hosted active discussions and produced many valuable "Boao proposals" that have helped build consensus in Asia, encourage cooperation, promote economic globalization and advance the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. The Forum has just had a major change of its Board of Directors this year and I wish to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt thanks to the outgoing members and warm congratulations to the new ones.
The theme of this year's conference is "An Open and Innovative Asia for a World of Greater Prosperity." It is in line with the trend of the times and reflects the expectation of all parties. I am sure your engaging discussions here will produce many insights.
