The 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road, Dr Akkan Suver's China Travel and Xi Jinping's White Book were discussed at an academic level at the Marmara Group Foundation. Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Istanbul Wei Xiaodong, who attended the meeting, explained his views on the 10th anniversary and the future of the Belt and Road in his opening speech. Consul General Wei Xiaodong summarized his views by saying "Let's build the unity of destiny of mankind, let's move forward hand in hand towards the bright future" after his evaluations with the White Book, which was followed by a crowded participation of Marmara Group Foundation members.

Prof. Dr Sema Kalaycıoğlu, Prof. Dr Ersin Kalaycıoğlu, Prof. Dr Özgür Çengel, Prof. Dr Uğur Özgöker and Assoc. Dr Pelin Sönmez from Marmara Group Foundation presented their views on the Belt and Road Initiative at the academic level.

In his speech, Dr Akkan Suver, President of the Marmara Group Foundation, shared his impressions of the 10th anniversary meeting of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Speech of Dr. Akkan Suver

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Distinguished Consul General,

It is with great honor that I address you, filled with the profound satisfaction of being part of an exceptionally successful meeting.

Indeed, just six days ago in Beijing, I had the privilege and excitement of speaking on behalf of my country's civil society at the 3rd Belt and Road Forum. I must emphasize that I had also been present at the two previous Forums. Therefore, I am delighted to have been part of the 3rd Forum. The 3rd Belt and Road Forum commenced with sincerity and concluded successfully.
Especially, the speech by His Excellency Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China, not only summarize the ten-year journey of the Belt and Road; it also laid out the roadmap for the future of the Belt and Road Initiative.

By explaining his thoughts under eight headings, he also defined the future of the Belt and Road Initiative. After expressing their intent to transform the initiative into a multi-dimensional connectivity network that encompasses both land and sea routes, His Excellency Xi Jinping mentioned that they would enhance the China-Europe Railway Express.

They also emphasized their plans to enhance the Maritime Silk Road with new ports and shipping services.

The importance of fostering a habit of free trade and investment protection for opening up and reform was brought to the forefront. It was mentioned that all hindrances for foreign investors in the manufacturing industry would be removed, and pilot zones would be established to this end, addressing all obstacles in front of the Silk Road.

Xi Jinping also noted that small but smart cooperation programs would be promoted, and green development and ecological restructuring would be given special attention.

President Xi Jinping also explained that an action plan would be developed for the advancement of science, technology, and innovation. He highlighted their commitment to fostering the regular and secure development of artificial intelligence worldwide by enhancing the global AI governance initiative.

Emphasizing the significance of interpersonal interactions, Xi Jinping mentioned his intention to hold the Liangcu Forum, named after the neolithic culture in the Yangtze River basin, to enhance dialogue between civilizations.

Furthermore, he stated that they would support art movements in the countries along the Silk Road.

Xi Jinping also made a call for cooperation based on integrity. He mentioned that he would implement the Integrity Compliance Plan. Stressing the importance of institution-building, Xi Jinping also elaborated on the significance of international institution-building for the development of the Belt and Road Initiative.

He highlighted the establishment of the Belt and Road Secretariat to host the Belt and Road Forum and emphasized the organization of six summits along with the CEO Summit. Xi Jinping referred to all of these as the "Belt of Golden Years of the Future," underlining the importance of principles such as joint consultation, joint construction, and shared benefits.

President of The Russian Federation Putin, who attended the 3rd Belt and Road Forum, described the Belt and Road Initiative as a significant global plan for the future in his speech. President Putin also emphasized that the Belt and Road initiative would contribute to addressing important regional and international issues.

Speaking at the opening of the 3rd Belt and Road Forum, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted the importance of the Belt and Road Initiative in providing access to essential services.

During the 3rd Belt and Road Forum, I delivered separate speeches at the Forum, Renmin University, and Zhejiang University in Shanghai, discussing the 10th Anniversary of the Belt and Road and Türkiye’s relations with the People's Republic of China. I am submitting all three of my speeches to your distinguished delegation.

In this regard, I would like to emphasize that I consider the 3rd Belt and Road Forum not only as an initiative of the People's Republic of China but also as a project for all of humanity. Additionally, I view Türkiye’s location at the intersection of Asia, Europe, and Africa within this initiative as an opportunity.

Moreover, I stated there and reiterate here that Türkiye is ready to collaborate by constructing a new bridge connecting Asia to Europe with major roads and railways as part of this project. I would also like to emphasize the importance of recognizing Türkiye as a key actor in this significant initiative.

Moreover, as I conclude my remarks, Hon. Consul General, please allow me to express my gratitude to the People's Republic of China and the Xinhua Family for their gracious hospitality, in your presence.

Furthermore, during my visit to China, I am also deeply grateful for the valuable friendship extended to me, which extends to the Turkish people as well. The 3rd Belt and Road Forum has entered its second decade, and now it is our duty to commence efforts to make the next decade even more successful and productive.
I would like to take this opportunity to announce that during the 27th Eurasian Economic Summit, which we will hold on

February 21-22, 2024, we will host a session titled "Belt and Road Initiative at 11 Years" Please consider this as an early notification.

Thank you,

Wei Xiaodong, the Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Istanbul, called for a broad consensus and collective action to address global crises. He noted that they were celebrating the 10th anniversary of Chinese President Xi Jinping's concept of " To Build a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind " this year, explaining that how this would be achieved is detailed in the book " Building a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind: China's Proposals and Actions."

Consul General Wei Xiaodong summarized as follows:

"Ten years ago, President Xi Jinping put forward his ideas for the future of mankind. "The concept, which includes the goals of building 'lasting peace, universal security, shared prosperity, openness and inclusiveness, and a clean and beautiful world', has successively announced the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative on the basis of pursuing the common values of mankind and building a new type of international relations, setting the right direction for world development at the turning points of history, and building a strong consensus for international cooperation in the face of turmoil.

In the past 10 years, the international community's call for a common future has become stronger and stronger. The idea of the unity of the destiny of mankind has been inscribed in the resolutions of the UN General Assembly for 6 consecutive years, as well as repeatedly in the resolutions or statements of multilateral mechanisms such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS, and has gained the understanding and support of the international community, especially of developing countries. A growing number of countries and people are realizing that this concept reflects the pursuit of peace, justice and progress and brings together the greatest common denominator for building a better world. The international community generally recognizes the concept of building unity of humanity's destiny as a selfish and protectionist concept that breaks the hegemonic mentality of a few self-serving countries, reflects China's unique insights in the direction of human development, promotes the solidarity and cooperation of countries, and has important significance for building a bright future for mankind."