RAMALLAH — The China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative is of great importance not only to countries along the ancient Silk Road trade routes but also to the whole world, said Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

The Silk Road dates back to thousands of years ago and China has put forward a very important proposal to revive it, Abbas said in an interview with Ramallah-based Chinese reporters on Oct 23.

Proposed by President Xi Jinping in 2013, the Belt and Road Initiative aims to build a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along and beyond the ancient Silk Road trade routes. The modern version comprises an overland Silk Road Economic Belt and a 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.

The initiative will have a profound impact “not only for the countries that are going through, but for all countries of the world,” said the president, whose country is among some 70 countries that have joined the initiative.

“We believe it will revive the economy and international relations, as well as humanity and culture, that were carried out by the Silk Road hundreds of years ago,” he added.

As regards China’s foreign policy, the Palestinian leader said it is “very successful,” especially in economic, political and international cooperation.

Congratulating the Communist Party of China (CPC) on its landmark 19th national congress, Abbas said that China has “created something new, socialism with Chinese characteristics, which has been very successful and reflected in the results we see on the ground and enjoyed by the Chinese people.”