Soundbites

It is in Europe’s interest to be part of the Belt and Road Initiative. Our trans-European networks are already extending east and south. We want to be better connected to our neighbors and partners. We want to be building bridges, not walls. As China and the EU are both developing transport initiatives, coordination between us is essential.

Jyrki Katainen, European Commission vice-president for jobs, growth, investment and

competitiveness The Belt and Road Initiative is as important as it is ambitious. Making more than 60 countries and more than 70 percent of the world’s population more interconnected is not an easy task. But by bringing countries together, and in particular by bringing Asia and Europe closer together, we create a platform for bringing prosperity and development to all parts of the Eurasian continent. Karen Ellemann, special representative for Lars Rasmussen,

prime minister of Denmark Being a small nation and due to our geographic location, connectivity is important for Finland, whether it means building transportation routes via the sea, land and air, or building digital connectivity between nations. Thus, Finland welcomes the Belt and Road Initiative. … Better connectivity between Europe and Asia can benefit societies, businesses and people on both continents.

Anne Berner, minister of transport and communications, Finland Connectivity is crucial. With strong efficient connectivity, we can help farmers and small-business owners in Indonesia sell their products not only in Indonesia but also around the world. Therefore, Indonesia, being situated in the maritime Silk Road, is planning to develop its eastern and western part, ports, airports, and industrial and tourism parks.

Rani Soemarno, minister of state-owned enterprises,

Indonesia The potential of the Belt and Road is indeed tremendous. Saudi Arabia is eager to engage in this historic undertaking. The kingdom’s own vision for 2030 also prioritizes connectivity and economic integration, which is also the heart of the Belt and Road Initiative. Such connectivity would enable us to leverage Saudi Arabia’s strategic geographic location linking Asia, Africa and Europe. The kingdom’s strong growing economy and expanding infrastructure would facilitate the efficient flow of goods, investment, services and people on the three continents.

Khalid Al-Falih, Ministry of Energy, Industry and Mineral

Resources, Saudi Arabia The United States recognizes the importance of improving connectivity through high-quality infrastructural development. Hence we welcome efforts from all countries, including China, to achieve this goal. US companies have a long and successful track record in global infrastructural development, and (we) are ready to participate in Belt and Road projects.

Matthew Pottinger, special assistant to the US president and senior director for Asia at the US

National Security Council Switzerland has long experience in transport, engineering, financing and sustainable implementation. We’ll be a good partner and we’re ready to offer our expertise in these fields to make the Belt and Road Initiative a success.

Doris Leuthard, Swiss Confederation president and head of the Department of Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications