KABUL, March 8 -- The revival of the historic Silk Road is very essential for greater connectivity between China and other countries in the region, Chinese ambassador to Afghanistan, Deng Xijun, said in an article published in an Afghan newspaper Saturday.

In the article titled the Silk Road - From Past to the Future, published by the English newspaper Daily Outlook Afghanistan, Deng said the call of Chinese President Xi Jinping for the joint development of an "Economic Belt along the Silk Road" is the continuation and development of the spirit of the ancient Silk Road.

"The initiative, by linking Central Asia, South Asia and West Asia, will contribute to greater connectivity and complementarity across the sub-regions, bringing Pan-Asian and Euroasian regional cooperation to a new level," Deng said.

The Silk Road has become all the more important and precious as a symbol of peace, cooperation, openness, inclusiveness, mutual learning and resilience, he stressed.

The ambassador pointed out, "the Belt initiative comes as a highlight in China's diplomacy in the new era, especially its neighborhood diplomacy occupies the primary position in China's overall diplomacy."

"We hope to participate more actively in international affairs including those in the neighborhood through the 'Belt' initiative, highlighting the concept of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness, providing more public goods and playing a more effective role as a responsible major country," Deng said.

"Let us pool our wisdom and resources, work together to write a new chapter of the Silk Road and build a happy life for all of us, " the ambassador concludes.