Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a speech via video at the opening ceremony of the fifth China International Import Expo on Friday, Nov 4, 2022. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

China attaches great importance to basic sciences development and stands ready to work with countries around the world, including developing countries, to further enhance openness, trust and cooperation in science and technology, President Xi Jinping said on Monday.

Xi made the remarks in a congratulatory letter delivered to The World Academy of Sciences' 16th General Conference and 30th General Meeting, which was hosted by Zhejiang University in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, in collaboration with the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the China Association for Science and Technology.

The World Academy of Sciences' 16th General Conference and 30th General Meeting, themed "Basic Sciences for Evidence-based Decision-making and Sustainable Development in the Global South", opened on Monday in a virtual format 

Xi said that China is willing to work with other countries to promote prosperity and development of science and technology to benefit the people of various countries and make contributions to stepping up the implementation of the Global Development Initiative and the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as well as advancing the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

The World Academy of Sciences has long been a strong advocate of expanding access to research in the basic sciences throughout the developing world.

READ MORE: Scientists to boost R&D, integration of science and industry

The four-day event, themed "Basic Sciences for Evidence-based Decision-making and Sustainable Development in the Global South", opened on Monday in a virtual format. It showcases the commitment of developing countries toward the betterment of their communities through scientific achievements and the role of science education.

Contact the writer at caodesheng@chinadaily.com.cn