President Xi Jinping, his wife Peng Liyuan (front) and other distinguished guests of the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation attend a welcome banquet in Beijing, May 14, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

Xi said that the Belt and Road Initiative embodies the aspiration for inter-civilization exchanges, the yearning for peace and stability, the pursuit of common development and the shared dream for a better life.

Noting that "we are at a fresh starting point, ready to embark on a new journey together," Xi said, "so long as we press ahead with a common vision without backpedaling or standing still, we will achieve greater connectivity and benefit from each other's development."

After the banquet, the guests, accompanied by Xi and his wife, watched a gala at the National Center for the Performing Arts.

Vice-premier Zhang Gaoli attended the banquet and the gala.