Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli addresses a high-level dialogue of the Belt and Road Forum (BRF) for International Cooperation in Beijing, capital of China, May 14, 2017. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

BEIJING, May 14 (Xinhua) -- Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli said Sunday that efforts should be strengthened to improve connectivity in the Belt and Road development.

Connectivity of policies, facilities, trade and finance, as well as people-to-people bonds, are the keys to the Belt and Road development, Zhang said when addressing a high-level dialogue of the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.

He called for deepening political trust, strengthening high-level exchanges and aligning development strategies.

The Belt and Road infrastructure network needs to be improved continuously, trade and investment made easier, and a multi-layered financial platform formed, Zhang said.

He also urged establishing closer people-to-people bonds, building a green Silk Road, and developing a cooperation network of think tanks.

The Belt and Road development will feature extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, Zhang said, calling on participants in the forum to pool their wisdom and explore cooperation.

Proposed in 2013, the Belt and Road Initiative is a grand plan to connect Asia with Europe and Africa along, and beyond, ancient trade routes by putting in place an unparalleled trade and infrastructure network.

So far, the initiative has won support from more than 100 countries and international organizations, of which over 40 have signed cooperation agreements with China.

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