The third Dialogue on Exchanges and Mutual Learning Among Civilizations and the first World Conference of Sinologists kicks off in China's capital Beijing, July 3, 2023.

"Nations around the world have created civilizations with their own characteristics and defining symbols in the long process of human history," said Chinese President Xi Jinping in his congratulatory letter on July 3, 2023, to the third Dialogue on Exchanges and Mutual Learning Among Civilizations and the first World Conference of Sinologists.

"Exchanges based on equality and mutual learning between different civilizations will provide a spiritual compass for humans to cut the Gordian knot of the current era and achieve common development," Xi noted.

"In my point of view, the Global Civilization Initiative is of great significance," said former Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero in his speech via video link at the opening ceremony of the event.