UN counsel calls for harmonization

The Belt and Road Initiative, or BRI, should foster a rule-based environment, where legal obligations are met, transparency is promoted and the rule of law is sustained, said the United Nations' top legal officer.

"Enjoying growing mutual trust and exchanges at all levels can only be achieved with a solid legal framework," said Miguel Serpa Soares, under-secretary-general for legal affairs and UN legal counsel.

In office since September 2013, Soares oversees the UN's office of legal affairs, which provides legal services to the UN.