Initiative seen as cultural bridge

The Belt and Road Initiative's impact on economies across the old Silk and Maritime roads also will be one of social and cultural exchange, leading to peace and stability, said the high representative of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations.

"The Belt and Road Initiative is not just economic, but also builds and promotes intercultural and interreligious (exchange)," Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser said on Friday. Al-Nasser, of Qatar, said he plans to attend the Belt and Road Forum For International Cooperation in Beijing later this month.

"In order to achieve not only a strong economy but also peace, we need stability (and we need to) work together and cooperate."