China's commitment to promoting sustainable maritime development in its Belt and Road Initiative was applauded by senior officials on Wednesday, who called for deepened cooperation in promoting the blue economy and protecting ocean ecosystems.
"The health and vitality of our oceans are intimately linked to the well-being of our planet and its people. Our oceans are crucial to global biodiversity and are vital for the livelihoods of millions of people," said Eang Sophalleth, minister of environment of Cambodia.
"In this context, we applaud China's commitment to promoting maritime development under the BRI," he said, adding that China's efforts in building green and smart ports, as well as its support for research and technology sharing, are "commendable steps" toward realizing blue cooperation along the BRI.
He made the remarks at a subforum on maritime cooperation on the sidelines of the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, which was held in Beijing.
China put forward the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, which has become an important platform for enhancing international maritime cooperation, said Vice-Premier Liu Guozhong, adding that China and countries involved in the BRI have deepened cooperation on maritime development and have achieved fruitful results.
"China is willing to work with all parties to develop Belt and Road maritime cooperation to a higher level, of a broader scope and deeper layers. We can build a closer maritime community with a shared future," said Liu, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.
Jean-Francois Gabriel Ferrari, Seychelles' designated minister and minister for fisheries and blue economy, said the BRI "is vital in addressing the complex challenges of our time" and serves as a "powerful reminder that by joining hands and working together, we can achieve common goals and promote prosperity for all".
"Our very important fishing industry depends on (international) collaboration and exchanges, and we see the BRI as critical in developing all aspects of our blue economy."
An initiative on maritime cooperation between China and countries attending the forum was released on Wednesday, including proposals for promoting the blue economy and conserving biodiversity.
