Russian President Vladimir Putin, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addressed the opening ceremony of the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing on Sunday.

Putin: Russia salutes China's initiative

In a speech at the opening ceremony of the forum, Russian President Putin gave a speech on his country's actions and achievements in promoting regional and global development.

He said Russia salutes China's large scale initiative which could help the country seize opportunities in the region.‍ Given the country's geopolitical status, Russia is willing to cooperate with China in various sectors.

He also stressed that the success of the projects depends on trade facilitation and collaboration among countries. Extensive cooperation could enable objectives to be met, he added.

Erdogan: Turkey welcomes the B&R Initiative

In his speech at the opening ceremony, Turkish President Erdogan said the initiative connects Europe, Asia, Africa and even America to one another.

Located at the crossroad of Asia and Europe, Turkey is an important country along the Belt and Road trade routes, and the country is willing to work with China under the initiative, the president said.

‍Guterres: B&R Initiative expected to benefit all‍

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the world has made remarkable progress in human development, but risks still challenge the planet, including inequality, poverty and climate change. Guterres called for a wide-ranging action to promote win-win cooperation and connectivity.

Countries should bring the spirit of the trade routes to a new high to benefit all, he said.

At least 29 heads of state and government are attending the forum, the highest-profile international meeting on the Belt and Road since Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed the initiative in 2013.