BEIJING, Oct. 16 (People's Daily Online) -- Under the geopolitical and geoeconomical push of President Xi Jinping, the Silk Road, this ancient network of trade and cultural exchange routes is now facing revival and will significantly contribute to peaceful development as we move towards the Asian Century, said Jose De Venecia, founding Chairman and co-Chairman of International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) and former Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Philippines this Thursday in Beijing.

Jose De Venecia made the remarks in an interview with People's Daily Online, when attending the Asian Political Parties' Special Conference on the Silk Road. As the founder of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP), which was established in 2000, Jose De Venecia said: “This conference on Silk Road is unique and historical catering here in Beijing. We the ruling and political parties of Asia come here today to endorse President Xi Jinping's visionary leadership in the One Belt One Road initiative."

In 2013, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced the Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Initiative to promote connectivity, cooperation and common prosperity along the ancient land and maritime Silk Road trade routes. "This initiative contributes to economic integration, cultural cohesion in the Asia-Pacific region, principally in the area along the silk route." commented Jose De Venecia.

"Under the One Belt One Road initiative, we can mobilize forces in the battle against poverty, climate change, separatism, extremism, which are the dangerous inclinations today we see in the Middle East and parts of Africa and West Africa. I hope that the leadership of China on the Silk Road will also contribute to the alliance of civilizations and cultures in Asia and in the world." said Jose De Venecia.

"I give great hopes that the relaunching of the Silk Road is now be adopted by many nations in Asia. This major inspiration launched by China will be a model for the rest of the world and the global community. “said Jose De Venecia.