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AUCKLAND, New Zealand, Nov. 27-- Some 400 delegates from academic and business circles in New Zealand gathered here Monday to discuss international cooperation under the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative. The first Next Summit, organized by the Oceania Silk Road Network along with New Zealand Green Industry Association and New Zealand Chinese Scientists Association, aims to promote international resource mobilization and capacity building through innovative cooperation among countries and regions, deepen international trade cooperation, and promote sustainable development, organizers said. In a message sent to the summit, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said there are "clear synergies" between the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by China. Both frameworks strive to "stitch countries together in networks of trade and mutual gain," and both aim to "deepen global connectivity," Guterres said. Vice Minister of Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council Xu Yousheng told the opening ceremony that the summit's focus on new-type globalization, innovative cooperation, and sustainable development is in line with the trend of the pursuit of peace, development and win-win cooperation. Xu, also the vice president of the China Overseas Exchange Association, said the Belt and Road reflected the historic steps of the Chinese people's overseas migration, and it shows how Chinese reached out to the world. | 
