China, Indonesia agree to step up Belt and Road cooperation

Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Indonesian President Joko Widodo, who is here for the Belt and Road Forum (BRF) for International Cooperation, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, May 14, 2017. [Photo: Xinhua]

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday stressed Indonesia's special connection with the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, calling on the two countries to strengthen cooperation under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.

"I proposed the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road for the first time when I delivered a speech in Indonesia in October 2013. The alignment of the proposal with Indonesia's Global Maritime Fulcrum has enriched bilateral ties," Xi said when meeting with Indonesian President Joko Widodo.

Widodo is in Beijing for the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation on Sunday and Monday.