Chinese President Xi Jinping stressed the importance of global cooperation on aeronautical technologies and sciences in a congratulatory letter sent to the 32nd Congress of the International Council of the Aeronautical Sciences on Monday.

Aerospace technology has been one of the most rapidly developing and influential high-tech areas since the 20th century, Xi said, pointing out the "unprecedented opportunities" in the field.

It's necessary and prospective to collaborate with the world in this sector, he added.

The forum was held in Shanghai on Monday. According to its official website, it is "the only international support organization" to represent aeronautical engineering professional societies and their members in 30 countries.

(Cover: Aerobatic performance at the 12th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, south China, November 7, 2018. /CFP)