TEHRAN, Oct. 16 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani said on Monday that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) can help boost trade and expand economic cooperation among the countries along its route.
He made the remarks at a weekly press conference in the Iranian capital Tehran, while answering a question about the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation to be hosted in Beijing on Oct. 17 and 18, and the 10th anniversary of the BRI.
Proposed in 2013, the initiative aims to build trade and infrastructure networks on and beyond the ancient Silk Road routes. It comprises the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.
Kanaani added Iran has welcomed the BRI and contributed to its implementation, stressing that the country believes such initiatives pay attention to the common regional and global interests and can safeguard the interests of participating countries and partners.
He noted that Iran has good communication and exchanges with China in such respect.
Tehran Mayor Alireza Zakani will take part in the upcoming forum.
