Chinese President Xi Jinping said Tuesday that non-governmental organizations (NGOs) along the Silk Road should contribute to enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between people of different countries, promoting common development, and building a community of shared future for mankind.

He made the remarks in a congratulatory letter to the First Silk Road NGO Cooperation Network Forum, which kicked off on Tuesday in Beijing.

Xi said building the Silk Road NGO Cooperation Network is an important step to enhance exchanges and cooperation among people of the Silk Road countries and facilitate people-to-people connectivity.

He hoped all delegates can take the forum as an opportunity to discuss how to further promote people-to-people connectivity.

Song Tao, head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, read the letter at the opening ceremony of the two-day forum.

Song said President Xi attaches great importance to building a network for cooperation among the NGOs and sent the congratulatory letter to the forum.

Song hoped NGOs in countries along the Silk Road can contribute to promoting the development of the Belt and Road Initiative and building a community of shared future for mankind.

In May 2017, President Xi announced the launch of the Silk Road NGO Cooperation Network at the opening ceremony of the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.

More than 300 NGOs from over 60 countries have joined the cooperation network.