The first Asian-African Summit in Bandung, Indonesia, 60 years ago gathered representatives from newly independent countries in both continents; this year's summit witnessed China's willingness to share development opportunities with the world.[Special coverage]
In 1955, when delegates from 29 Asian and African countries gathered in Bandung, their countries had just shaken off the shackles of colonialism or imperialism. At that time, China, faced with multiple problems at home and was striving for development, brought full sincerity to the summit.
Today, China has taken on a complete new look and enjoyed rapid and prosperous economic development for over three decades.
At the Asian-African Summit held on Wednesday and Thursday in the Indonesian capital of Jakarta, Chinese President Xi Jinping brought forward a package of proposals which would benefit countries in Asia, Africa, and the rest of the world.
Xi said at the Asian-African leaders' meeting that China will unswervingly push forward Asia-Africa cooperation under the new situation.
China, said Xi, will provide 100,000 training opportunities for developing nations in Asia and Africa in the coming five years.
In addition, a total of 2,000 Asian and African young men and women will be invited to visit China and attend a series of youth get-togethers, said the Chinese president.
In the meantime, with the aim of carrying on the Bandung Spirit and promoting common development of the two vibrant continents, Xi said his country will work with relevant parties to jointly advance the "Belt and Road" initiative and the establishment of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), and make better use of the Silk Road Fund.
The "Belt and Road" initiative, referring to the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, will focus on transport, energy and communication infrastructure, and cooperation on investment, trade, industrial sectors, financing, education, tourism and technology.
Countries in Asia and Africa, faced with the task of boosting national economy and elevating people's livelihood, are sure to benefit from the "Belt and Road" initiative.
With shared history and future goals, the cooperation between Asia and Africa will also be promoted under the newly established AIIB, which aims to invest in quasi-commercial infrastructure projects so as to improve regional interconnectivity and mutual access and strengthen development capacity.
A total of 57 countries have been approved as the founding members of the China-proposed bank, among which 17 countries are also members of the Asian-African Summit. Except for the large number of endorsements in Asia, the bank has received immense popularity beyond the region.
Its popularity across the world should be attributed to its design as an open and inclusive multilateral lender, which promises win-win interactions in the global arena.
Both the "Belt and Road" initiative and the AIIB, Xi stressed, are stretching open arms to the outside world. The rapid development in China means development opportunities as well, which China is glad and feels obliged to share with countries not only in Asia but also in the rest of the world.
