President Xi Jinping addresses a banquet and extends a warm welcome on behalf of the Chinese government and people to all distinguished guests attending the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing, capital of China, Oct 17, 2023. Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan on Tuesday hosted a banquet at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing to welcome guests who are in China to attend the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. [Photo/Xinhua]

"Belt and Road cooperation, robust and fruitful in its first decade, is now full of dynamism and vitality," he said. "We must embark with drive and enthusiasm on the new journey toward another golden decade."

The president told the gathering, "Let us take this opportunity to salute all those who have participated in and contributed to Belt and Road cooperation."

He also said: "The world today is far from tranquil. The world economy is under growing downward pressure. Global development is confronted with multiple challenges. That said, we remain unwavering in our belief that the historical trend of peace, development, cooperation and mutual benefit is unstoppable, our people's aspiration for a better life remains strong as ever, and the desire of all countries to achieve common development and prosperity is overwhelming."