Honourable Mr Matušić, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs,
Honourable Mr Fabris, Mayor of Korčula,
Honourable Mr Prižmić, Director of the Marco Polo International Art Festival,
Your Excellencies Ambassadors,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good afternoon！
Speaking of theancientSilk Road, one wellknown person is Marco Polo, the great traveller who was born in the island of Korčula. The ancient Silk Road opened windows of friendly engagement among nations and embodies the spirit of peace and cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, mutual learning and mutual benefit. Such history shows that geographical distance is not insurmountable. If we take the steps towards each other, we can embark on a path leading to win-win cooperation.
The Belt and Road Initiative proposedby Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013 is a modern version of ancient Silk Road.It is about a road of connectivity of policy coordination, trade, infrastructure, finance and people-to-people, and it is about a road of greenness, digital economy and high quality development.Thanks to the active participation and strong support of all parties, the Belt and Road Initiative has evolved into the largest platform for international cooperation. Up to now, more than 138 countries and 31 international organizations signed 201 cooperation agreements with China. Last year, trade in goods between China and BRI partners topped US$1.3 trillion, up by 6 percent year on year. In the first quarter of this year, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, trade between China and BRI partners rose by 3.2 percent. BRI cooperation continues to inject confidence and impetus into global economic development.
In recent years, China-Croatia relations have shown a momentum of vigorous development. The two sides have actively promoted cooperation in economy, trade, culture and other fields under theframework of BRI. As Marco Polo's birthplace, it is appreciated that Korčula has actively built a platform for cultural exchanges between China and Croatia as well as other countries along the Silk Road. The Marco Polo International Art Festival is one of the great examples. China looks forward to working with countries including Croatia, to make the Belt and Road Initiative a model of peace, cooperation, health, recovery and growth.
On behalf of the Chinese Embassy in Croatia, I wish the 5th Marco Polo International Art Festival a complete success! May the upcoming New Year bring you good health, happiness and prosperity!