BEIJING, Nov. 21 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said Tuesday that non-governmental organizations (NGO) along the Silk Road should contribute to enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between people of different countries, promoting common development, and building a community of shared future for mankind.

He made the remarks in a congratulatory letter to the 1st Silk Road NGO Cooperation Network Forum, which kicked off on Tuesday in Beijing.