Soundbites

Russian President Vladimir Putin, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivered speeches at the opening ceremony of the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation following President Xi Jinping’s keynote speech. Here are some of the guest leaders’ remarks:

VLADIMIR PUTIN Russian president

“We cannot resolve modern challenges by using old approaches. We need new ideas. We need to abandon all stereotypes.”

“We should set a role model for the global community of how we can work together, develop together, based on equality and respect for national sovereignty based on international law and the United Nations principles.”

RECEP TAYYIP ERDOGAN Turkish president

“The Middle Corridor Initiative, put forward by Turkey, could be connected with the Belt and Road Initiative to link the Middle East with China through Central Asia.”

“The trade volume between China and Europe has reached $600 billion, showing the importance of the Belt and Road Initiative.”

ANTONIO GUTERRES United Nations secretary-general

“The Belt and Road Initiative has immense potential . ... It can promote effective access to markets and new opportunities.”

“It’s crucial to stress the links between the initiative and sustainable development goals.”

“The Belt and Road Initiative is rooted in a shared vision for global development.”

“The initiative is expected to generate fast investment in infrastructure.”