Cultural exchanges are an important driving force for progress in human civilization and peaceful development of the world, Chinese President Xi Jinping made the remarks in a congratulatory letter to the Fifth Annual Conference of Taihu World Cultural Forum, which starts on Thursday in Beijing. 

In the letter, President Xi pointed out that the human beings have been continuously advancing through encounters of different ethnic groups, and exchanges between different cultures.  

This year's conference themed as "Dialogue of Civilization: Building a Community of Shared Future for Mankind" is conducive to the increase of communication, forging of consensus and cooperation, as well as exchanges among cultures around the world, President Xi added.  

The president also emphasized that China upholds a new form of international relationship featuring mutual respect, fairness and justice, and win-win cooperation, calling on the international community to work together to learn from each other's culture to contribute positively to the building of a community of shared future for mankind.   

(Top image: The official poster for the Fifth Annual Conference of Taihu World Cultural Forum)