FRIENDSHIP ALONG THE ROUTE

People-to-people bonds are one of the cooperation priorities of the Belt and Road Initiative， providing the human foundation for the framework.

In the five years since the initiative was proposed by President Xi Jinping in 2013， cultural exchanges， educational cooperation， tourism， technology sharing and medical assistance have built stronger friendships among the peoples in Belt and Road countries.

In addition， enhancing people-to-people connectivity can boost the development of a countrys economy and its society while also promoting mutual understanding.

International student exchanges have been one of the contributors to building Belt and Road friendships. Cultural events， such as film and art festivals， have provided a great opportunity for people to get to know the history and traditions of each others countries.

Tourism has been another essential part of these human interactions， as visa applications have been simplified for travel convenience.

Moreover， sharing advanced technology in various fields， such as agriculture， has shown the strong willingness among Belt and Road countries for common prosperity.