President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan (center), pose for a group photo with foreign leaders and their spouses attending the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Tuesday. Xi hosted a welcoming banquet for the foreign guests. [Photo by Feng Yongbin / CHINA DAILY]

President Xi Jinping emphasized on Tuesday the importance of upholding the original aspiration of cooperation and staying true to the mission of development, so that Belt and Road high-quality cooperation can "reflect the spirit of the times".

Xi made the remark while addressing a welcoming banquet for international dignitaries, including heads of state and government and leaders of international organizations, who are attending the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing.