Some representatives, including former Japanese prime minister Yukio Hatoyama and Tanzania's former president Benjamin William Mkapa, made speeches during the meeting.

They extended congratulations on the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and appreciated China's contributions to promoting global peace and sustainable development.

They said that China's reform and opening-up will benefit the whole world — especially developing countries. At the same time, several countries' practice of putting their own interests first and upholding unilateralism has led to an increase of conflict and friction.

The Belt and Road Initiative and the proposal of building a community with a shared future for mankind, put forward by Xi, has great significance to promote global peace and prosperity, they said.

Founded in 2014, the forum has become a new high-end platform for in-depth conversations between China and the rest of the world. This year's forum was attended by over 260 former heads of state or government, leaders of international organizations, academic experts and business leaders.