In this harvest season of autumn, the two-day Think Tanks' Panel Discussions of the International Seminar on the Belt and Road Initiative were held in Xi'an. Under the theme Pooling Wisdom to Unleash the Vitality of the Belt and Road Initiative, we exchanged visions and ideas on promoting shared development and prosperity along the Belt and Road through policy coordination, infrastructure connectivity, unimpeded trade, accessible financing and greater understanding among peoples. We strongly identify with the notion that advancing the Belt and Road Initiative under the new circumstances of globalization is a common wish of all in seeking practical cooperation across the board and building a community featuring political trust, economic integration, cultural diversity, and social inclusion in which members share common interests, responsibilities and future. We, the participants of the Think Tanks' Panel Discussions of the International Seminar on the Belt and Road Initiative, hereby declare:

First, we will enhance think tank exchanges and cooperation and forge synergy to improve communication and understanding between countries or regions involved in the Belt and Road Initiative. Mindful of the pressing need for exchanges between think tanks, we call for stronger cooperation between these institutions. We should also help create an environment and institutional mechanisms conducive to the sustainable development of the Belt and Road Initiative, strive to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes through collaboration and partnership.

Second, we will work in concert to carry out the Belt and Road Initiative, inject vitality into the development of countries involved, and dovetail development strategies. Against the backdrop of the fragile global economic recovery, China is committed to fostering new engines of development through reform and innovation, maintaining medium-to-high growth, and restructuring and upgrading its economy, and remaininga major driving force for global economic growth. We call on Belt and Road countries to align their development strategies, improve bilateral and multilateral cooperation mechanisms, and make progress together.

Third, we will advocate the Silk Road spirit, increase exchanges between cultures and peoples, and promote mutual learning between civilizations. We are keenly aware that the Belt and Road Initiative has a significant historic and cultural basis. The ancient Silk Road was not only a trade route, but also a channel for amicable contact, peace, and civilizations. We call on all countries to deepen the Silk Road spirit, which is characterized by peace, cooperation, openness, inclusiveness, mutual learning, mutual benefit and win-win results, and to build a community in which members share peace, development and a common future.

Fourth, we will make the most of think tanks' advantage in knowledge and talent to provide intellectual support for governments, enterprises and non-governmental organizations as they implement the Belt and Road Initiative. We will continue to serve government decision-making and help push forward policy communication between the countries concerned. We will conduct evidence-based research to facilitate trade and investment and people-to-people ties. We will also spur cultural exchanges and public awareness on the initiative.

We are grateful to the organizers and co-organizers for jointly holding the panel discussions. We call for taking stock of the outcomes of the forum and exchanging valuable experiences in think-tank development in various countries. We call on countries involved to avail themselves of the opportunities presented by the Belt and Road Initiative to boost physical, institutional and people connectivity and work to realize the aspirations of common development and prosperity.

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