Boao, Hainan province, China
24 March 2026
Dear Ambassador Zhang Jun,
Excellencies,
Distinguished colleagues,
Ladies and gentlemen,
It is a great honor to join this special session celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Boao Forum for Asia.
Over the past quarter century, the Forum has grown into one of the most influential platforms to facilitate the dialogue and cooperation in Asia and beyond. At a time when the global landscape is undergoing profound transformation, rising unilateral actions and instability of global trade through protectionist measures, Boao has consistently served as a venue where leaders, policymakers, business communities, and scholars gather to exchange ideas and shape the future of our region, and the participation of dignitaries proves the crucial importance of this annual gathering.
For 25 years, the Forum has played an important role in promoting openness, connectivity, and inclusive development across Asia. It has provided a valuable space for discussing emerging economic trends, strengthening policy coordination, and fostering partnerships that contribute to regional prosperity.
Equally important is the spirit that Boao embodies. The Forum reflects Asia’s enduring commitment to dialogue, mutual respect, and cooperation, principles that are deeply rooted in the region’s rich civilizational traditions and that remain essential for addressing today’s global challenges.
In recent years, Asia has also contributed important ideas for global partnerships. Initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping of China, including the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative and most recently the Global Governance Initiative, highlight the importance of sustainable development, common security, and dialogue among civilizations.
These ideas resonate strongly with the principles that guide the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), which has long promoted confidence building, mutual trust, and inclusive cooperation across our continent.
As Asia continues to grow in global importance, platforms such as the Boao Forum for Asia play an increasingly valuable role in bringing together diverse perspectives, encouraging innovation, and strengthening the contribution of Asia to global governance.
This year also marks another important milestone for CICA: the 20th anniversary of the CICA Secretariat, headquartered in Astana. To commemorate this occasion, we are planning a number of special events, including an initiative to invite the executive bodies of regional organizations across Asia to the CICA Headquarters. We hope this gathering will provide a valuable opportunity to strengthen dialogue among institutions, exchange best practices, and further enhance cooperation and synergy among regional organizations.
Dear colleagues,
As Boao enters its next quarter century, I am confident that the Forum will continue to illuminate the path toward an open, inclusive, and prosperous Asia, serving as a beacon of dialogue and cooperation for our region and for the world.
I look forward to further strengthening our engagement with the Forum and contributing to our shared vision of a peaceful, prosperous, and interconnected Asia.
Xie xie.
