On the evening of October 17, 2023, President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan hosted a banquet at the Great Hall of the People to welcome the international dignitaries attending the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF). The banquet was attended by Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Han Zheng.

It?was a beautiful autumn day in Beijing with a picturesque sunset view, and the Great Hall of the People looked majestic on the brightly-lit Tian'anmen Square.

International dignitaries attending the BRF, including foreign heads of state and government, heads of international organizations and their spouses arrived at the Great Hall of the People in succession. The guard of honor lined up to pay tribute. More than 150 flags of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) partner countries and the United Nations were neatly placed on both sides of the red carpet, setting off a grand and spectacular scene.

Xi Jinping and Peng Liyuan warmly greeted the foreign leaders and their spouses, shook hands with them one after another and took group photos.

Accompanied by the Tune of Welcome, Xi Jinping and Peng Liyuan walked into the Golden Hall with distinguished guests.

Xi Jinping delivered a speech to extend a warm welcome on behalf of the Chinese government and people to all the guests attending the third BRF.

Xi Jinping pointed out, "Spring is a season of blossoming, and autumn is a time of harvest. Over the past decade since the BRI was proposed, China and BRI partners have worked hand in hand and exemplified the Silk Road spirit, which is characterized by peace and cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, mutual learning and mutual benefit. Together we have contributed to global connectivity and created platforms for international economic cooperation. Together we have been a driving force for global growth. Together we have carried out thousands of cooperation projects with solid deliverables. Together we have written a magnificent chapter in promoting a connected world and charting a path for all to prosper individually and collectively. These achievements have been made possible by the governments, businesses and people of BRI partners through hard work, wisdom and courage. Let us take this opportunity to salute all those who have participated in and contributed to Belt and Road cooperation."

Xi Jinping stressed, "The BRI pursues development, promotes win-win outcomes, and inspires hope. A bumper harvest would not be possible without an untiring spirit and unremitting efforts, and the same is true of sustainable achievements that benefit our posterity. This is the responsibility that we, political leaders of this generation, must fulfill toward the people of today and future generations. Belt and Road cooperation, robust and fruitful in its first decade, is now full of dynamism and vitality. We must embark with drive and enthusiasm on the new journey toward another golden decade."

Xi Jinping pointed out, "The world today is far from tranquil. The world economy is under growing downward pressure. Global development is confronted with multiple challenges. That said, we remain unwavering in our belief that the historical trend of peace, development, cooperation and mutual benefit is unstoppable, our people's aspiration for a better life remains strong as ever, and the desire of all countries to achieve common development and prosperity is overwhelming. As long as we remain steadfast in our commitment to cooperation and common development, we will accomplish new feats in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation that reflect the spirit of the times and will create a better future for humanity through our joint efforts."

After the banquet, Xi Jinping and Peng Liyuan watched the art performance On the Same Silk?Road together with distinguished guests, appreciating how diverse and splendid civilizations and cultures of BRI partner?countries have prospered together through exchanges and mutual learning.

Wang Yi, Yin Li, Li Shulei, He Lifeng and Wang Xiaohong, among others, were present at the above events.