The inaugural meeting of the Belt and Road Studies Network is held in Beijing on Wednesday. [Photo/Xinhua]

President Xi Jinping called on Wednesday for exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and foreign think tanks for more high-quality research results to push Belt and Road construction to a higher level.

Xi made the remark in a congratulatory letter to the inaugural meeting of the Belt and Road Studies Network held in Beijing on Wednesday.

The launch of the think tank network took place ahead of the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation being held from Thursday to Saturday in the capital.

Xi said in the letter that the development of history, the prosperity of civilizations and the progress of mankind are closely connected with the guidance of advanced thought.

The Belt and Road Initiative, which originated in China but belongs to the world, has become an open and inclusive platform for international cooperation and a well-recognized global public good thanks to the concerted efforts of the parties involved, Xi said.

Calling think tanks significant forces for Belt and Road construction, the president said developing think tank exchanges and cooperation helps deepen mutual trust, unite consensus and promote the BRI to achieve high-level development.

He expressed the hope that the think tank network would develop in-depth academic exchanges to promote solid cooperation under the BRI and contribute to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

Also on Wednesday, a ceremony to mark the release of the English and French editions of a compilation of remarks by Xi on the Belt and Road was held in Beijing by the State Council Information Office.

The book includes 42 articles drawn from speeches and public remarks made by Xi from September 2013 to July 2018.

Since Xi proposed the BRI in 2013, he has spoken about the initiative on many occasions.

The discourses have provided guidance for the country to develop international cooperation, improve global economic governance and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.