That was also when he started to pay high attention to the BRI, Hatoyama said. "The initiative is arguably a modern version of the ancient silk road," he said.

"Historically, the silk road also had a big impact on Japan, while the modern silk road should also be associated with Japan. So I'm paying much attention to it," he said.

The former prime minister said he strongly supports the attempt to consolidate regional peace by promoting regional prosperity, and also spoke positively of the achievements in policy communication and utility connection with relevant countries since the BRI was put forward.

This year also marks the fifth year since the foundation of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), a new multilateral development institution in Asia initiated by China.

Hatoyama has been invited to sit on the AIIB's international advisory board since 2016.

He spoke highly of the AIIB's role. "The AIIB supports the Belt and Road Initiative in terms of finance and capital, making the Initiative transfer from planning to practical implementation, as the BRI continues to be committed to creating prosperity for the region step by step," Hatoyama said.

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