Representatives of prospective founders of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) prepare to attend the signing ceremony of the articles of agreement of AIIB in Beijing, capital of China, June 29, 2015. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

BEIJING, June 29  -- Delegates of the 57 prospective founding countries of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) on Monday gathered in Beijing for the signing ceremony of an agreement, which will lay the legal framework for the China-initiated multilateral institution.