Silk Road plan a boost to region

China's initiatives on the Silk Road aim to boost its economic and trade cooperation with other countries in the region, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Saturday, adding that China remains open to other countries that are willing to participate.

President Xi Jinping proposed the establishment of a Silk Road economic belt and maritime Silk Road for the 21st century while visiting Kazakistan and Indonesia respectively.

At the core of the Silk Road spirit is peace, friendship, openness and inclusiveness, Wang said.

The silk road, first recorded 2,000 years ago, belongs to the whole world, he added.

The two initiatives will prioritize easing trade and investment based on equality and consultation, while promoting economic cooperation and people-to-people and cultural exchanges, Wang said.