(May 14, 2019)

Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China

Dear Colleagues,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Friends,

Good evening!

It gives me great pleasure to join my friends, both old and new, in Beijing in the lovely season of early summer. Let me begin by extending, on behalf of the Chinese government and people, on behalf of my wife and in my own name, a warm welcome to all the foreign leaders, heads of international organizations, and distinguished guests attending the Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations!

At the summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) held in 2014 and the annual conference 2015 of the Boao Forum for Asia, I proposed holding a conference on dialogue of Asian civilizations. The initiative was warmly received and supported by many Asian countries and international personages. This conference is aimed at responding to the trend of deepening cooperation in Asia and the expectation of our peoples for closer cultural interactions. It will offer a platform of dialogue and exchanges for different civilizations to prosper together through mutual learning.

Civilizations are like water, gently nurturing all life on earth. The evolution of history, prosperity of our society and progress of humankind in general have all been inspired and driven by the advance of civilizations. As an important cradle of human civilizations, Asia has nurtured a diverse array of cultures and civilizations in its long sweep of history. Indeed, our continent has kept proud records of some of the longest running civilizations of humankind. Today, Asian civilizations interact with each other and flourish side by side by embracing openness, inclusiveness and innovation-driven development. They are like flowers in full bloom in the world garden of civilizations.

The Chinese civilization, running uninterrupted for five thousand years, has evolved and thrived by renewing and improving itself through exchange and innovation. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Over the past 70 years, China has made persistent efforts to preserve and promote the fine tradition of Chinese culture and to enhance cultural exchanges and mutual learning with other countries. These efforts have contributed to the advancement of human civilization as a whole.

Tomorrow, we will open the Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations. This will be an opportunity for delegates from different parts of the world to celebrate the beauty of cultural diversity and seek ways for closer cultural exchanges. Let us work in unison to make this conference a new beginning for all our civilizations to move forward through mutual learning and shine more brightly through common progress.

Now please join me in a toast:

To the full success of the first Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations;

To a brighter future of Asian and world civilizations;and

To the health of all guests present and your families.

Cheers!