"The people" are some of the most mentioned key words in the report of the recently concluded 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

Why are "the people" vital to the CPC? What's the relationship between the Party and the people? Let's find out.

Produced by Xinhua Global Service

CHENGDU, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- A total of 65 people have been killed in a 6.8-magnitude earthquake that jolted Luding County in southwest China's Sichuan Province on Monday, local authorities said Tuesday.

Thirty-seven people were killed in Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, and the other 28 died in Shimian County of Ya'an City.

As of 7 a.m. Tuesday, 12 people were missing and 170 were found injured in Ganzi, including 56 seriously injured. A total of 78 people were injured in Shimian County as of 5:50 a.m. Tuesday.

The earthquake struck Luding County at 12:52 p.m. Monday (Beijing Time), according to the China Earthquake Networks Center.

Sichuan has activated the highest level of emergency response for the earthquake.

A martial arts teacher in Gansu, China is known as a "wonder woman" for her impressive skills.

Zhang Hanliang hopes that by sharing her videos online, more people around the world can get to know about Chinese #KungFu. 

Produced by Xinhua Global Service

The number of cases of coronavirus infection has increased to 97 in Georgia, the government-run special website stopcov.ge reports.

There are 4 876 people in quarantine and 264 in inpatient care. 18 out of 97 people have already recovered.

For information, the number of confirmed coronavirus infections in Russia rose by 228 in the past 24 hours to 1,264, according to the Russian media reports. The cases are reported from 62 regions of Russia, while Moscow identified 114 more cases. Moreover, 49 people have currently recovered, the Russian headquarters for prevention of the coronavirus spread said Saturday.

"Overall, Russia has now 1,264 coronavirus cases across 62 regions. In the past 24 hours, four people recovered and were discharged from hospitals, bringing the total number of recoveries to 49 over the whole period," the headquarters’ statement reads.

Russia’s coronavirus death toll rose to 4.

A total number of people worldwide infected with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has reached 720,100, according to Johns Hopkins University. 33 550 people died from the virus and 150 734 recovered.

Top 5 virus-hit countries include United States (139,675), Italy (97,689), China (82,122), Spain (80,031) and Germany (62,095).

On March 11 World Health Organization(WHO) declared COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic.

A four-year-old child has died in hospital after a Tbilisi residential building explosion rocked Tbilisi several hours ago. Doctors say the child was in a critical condition when he was brought to Imedi Clinic.

Among the injured are six minors and two middle-age individuals-a man and a woman, based on the latest information.

Georgian PM Mamuka Bakhtadze has declared 17 January as a mourning day.

Flags on state buildings will fly at half-staff tomorrow. 

Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili, who visited the injured children in the Iashvili Clinic, stated that their lives are not at risk.

She said that she is deeply touched by the huge tragedy and offered her condolences to the families of those who died.

The local authorities will accommodate them until the building is checked for safety and mandatory works are done.

EARLIER: 21:47

Three people have been killed and at least five injured in a powerful explosion in the Didi Digomi district of Tbilisi about two hours ago – among the injured four are children.

A gas leak may have caused the explosion. Nearby buildings were also damaged in the blast, locals say.

The evacuation of people from the building where the explosion took place has ended.

Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze and Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze are at the scene.

Health Minister David Sergeenko told the media that the health condition of two minors is satisfactory, while the condition of two others is critical. One has a skull trauma, but fortunately there is no need of surgical intervention. Another is being transported from the Imedi clinic and his health condition, as far as I know, is critical,” Sergeenko said.

Residents told the media that there was a strong gas smell present in the building throughout the day. Employees of gas provider company Kaztransgas came to the building to check for a leak, but left the scene after finding that nothing was wrong with the gas infrastructure

Patrol police, rescuers and emergency brigades are at the scene.

The staircase inside the building has been destroyed, as well as the walls of several flats.

Earlier: 21:47

A residential building has exploded due to an alleged gas leak in Didi Digomi district of Tbilisi.

Three deaths have been confirmed, several have been hospitalised.

Rescue workers are currently trying to extinguish the fire and evacuate people from the building.

http://agenda.ge/en/news/2019/131

Raffles University of Johor Bahru hosted a celebratory event for International Human Solidarity Day on December 29th and 30th at Capital City Mall in Malaysia. The event was co-hosted by international NGOs called Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) and International Peace Youth Group (IPYG) to raise awareness of solidarity for peace-building. Also, the Capital City joined the event in partnership.
The event included various booths, presentations and exhibitions. The Peace Letter project, one of the most-crowded booths during the event, encouraged the participants to write hand-writing letters in support of the establishment of international law for peace.
According to the volunteer of the IPYG running the booth, the letters written by the youth all over the world have been delivered to the head of each state. He added that the contents of the letters include the voice of youth urging for the legally binding document that prevents any war-like activities based on the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW). 
Several schools in Malaysia including Dato Osman Awang, Mohd Khalid are known to implement peace education in their curriculum. With the aim of fostering a culture of peace through peace education, HWPL carried out a survey during the event. The participants partook in the survey that collected the demands of the citizens for implementing peace education throughout the country.
Denise, Education Consultant in Raffles University Iskandar who headed the event, said ‘I hope that this event can be an example for our students like how to organize events in future, and also to bring our students and society to a next level to more concern the world's news. And we believe this will also help our students to be more responsible to the society. ’ in regards to the expected outcome of the event.
Co-hosts IPYG and HWPL also stated ‘ First I want to thanks for all the help in this events and being our partner until the end of the event. And I do hope that we can work together next time.’.

The first session of the People’s Council chaired by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov was held in the capital on the threshold of the 27th anniversary of independence. The agenda of National forum, which is remarkable event in life of the country, included the discussion of priority objectives of further development of Turkmen state and society.

Being the highest representative authority acting accordingly to the Constitution of Turkmenistan based on universal democratic principles and rich historical practice of the nation, in new epoch, the People’s Council embodies unbreakable tie of times and generations, commitment of our independent neutral state to primordial traditions of true people’s power, to the way of peace and creation.

In the morning, the President of Turkmenistan went to the Ruhiyet Palace from Oguzkhan Presidential Palace Complex.

The participants welcomed President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on their feet with loud long-lasting applauses.

The head of the State went to the stage and warmly greeted numerous participants and guests of the forum, which is bright evidence of steadfast development of democratic processes in modern Turkmen society.

Addressing the participants, the Head of the State noted that as is known, the initiative about the establishment of representative people’ power authority – the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, has been proposed and unanimously approved at the session of the Council of elders held last year in Ahal velayat. Deputies of the Mejlis have discussed and adopted relative Constitutional Law.

Today, we have gathered for the first meeting of the People’s Council in order to discuss the most important subjects of the state and society life, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said.

Elected members of the People’s Council, heads of the government authorities, political parties and public organizations, deputies of the Mejlis, hyakims of the velayats, etraps and cities, ambassadors of our country to foreign states, honoured elders, representatives of all layers of the population as well as invited guests take part in current session, the Head of the State continued.

The culmination came and President of Turkmenistan, chairman of the People’s Council Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov announced the opening of the first session of the People’s Council. National anthem of Turkmenistan was played.

After the anthem song, having noted that the participants have already had an opportunity to study the agenda, the President expressed the interest if there are any proposals or remarks on the subjects and documents to be discussed. With unanimous support of the participants of the forum, the Head of the State announced about the adoption of the agenda of the session of the People’s Council.

After, the President of Turkmenistan made a big programme speech, which has been listened with great attention and met with long-lasting applauses. 

After, the Head of the State suggested starting the discussion of the subjects of the agenda of national forum, having given the floor to the participants.

Tenant of Oraz Salyr Farming Association from Serkhas etrap of Ahal velayat Byashim Aydiyev, who was the first too speak, congratulated the President on coming 27th anniversary of the country.

It was highlighted that today, fundamental changes are taken in all branches of national economy including in agriculture, big progress is achieved in all directions. This session of the People’s Council will be written with golden letters to the chronicle of the country as it reviews the reforms in agricultural complex taking into account future perspective. In his speech, the President of Turkmenistan has also outlined coming objectives, made number of proposals aimed at the wealth of people together with summing up of the outcomes of completed work. We are confident that new success would be achieved after completion of these targets, the speaker said. 

Turkmenistan has all opportunities for integrated development of agriculture, introduction of latest scientific developments, cultivation of various agricultural crops according to soil and climate conditions, use of land and water resources. It cause further improvement of social and living conditions of rural population.

Opening of the new farms, joint stock ventures and private companies gives wide opportunities for reformation of the agricultural production and producing good yields. In this context, B. Aydiyev on behalf of all farmers expressed the support of the proposal of the Head of the State on the foundation of special land agricultural fund for further improvement of efficiency of the industry with regards to transfer to market relations and on stimulation of agricultural producers as well as on leasing of the land plots from this fund for 99 years.

It was also highlighted that food abundance has been reached in the country and Turkmenistan has joined the number of grain exporting countries. Grain and cotton production is on high demand at foreign markets, which plays important role in development of national economy.

After, the floor was given to the Senior Specialist of the Institute of strategic and Sustainable Development of the Ministry of Finances and Economy Ayan Achylova. The spokesperson said that national economy has reached high levels. Our country keeps leading positions among the states of the world by the GDP growth rates.

Successful realization of social programmes, steadfast increment of the income of the population, salary wages, pensions, students scholarships, government allowances, creation of thousands new working places indicate significant improvement of social and living conditions of life of people and practical fulfilment of the SDGs. About 80 percent of the State budget is allocated for social sphere, which guarantees the provision of wealth of Turkmen citizens.

The Head of Turkmenistan carries out fundamental work for diversification of national economy, transfer to digital economy, reasonable use of natural resources of the country. Large facilities of regional and international significance are built and put into operation, which gives wide opportunities for improvement of work production and increment of export potential.

It was mentioned that from the first days of his elections as the Head of the State, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov outlined the formation of solid base in the country for socially oriented market economy. In the conditions when national economy is based on market relations, the necessity of their rational and efficient use appears. The growth of income and social and living conditions of the population give opportunity for introduction of payment for the services that our people use free.

A. Achylova said that Turkmen economists entirely support everything what was said at current session of the People’s Council about key directions of social and economic development of the country.

Policy for reformation of agricultural complex pursued by the Head of the State is aimed at fundamental improvement of food independence of the motherland on innovative base, growth of incomes, bringing of competitive national production to the world markets. Modern profile facilities are built, the activity of processing enterprises is arranged in this direction in all regions of the country.

Chairman of Sadulla Rozmetov Agricultural Joint Stock Venture Kamil Rozmetov from S. A. Niyazov, Dashoguz Velayat on behalf of agricultural personnel of the country cordially congratulated the Head of the State and all participants on the start of work of the People’s Council and coming 27th anniversary of independence.

It was highlighted that current national forum would enter the history as the event that predicted new beginnings for the sake of the future of the Motherland and our people.

Owing to the care of the Head of the State, all conditions are made in the country for fruitful work of people, generous yields received by the farmers, their wealthy life. Proposal on revision of the state purchase prices for wheat and cotton encouraged the farmers. Steadfast reformation of agricultural complex, deserving appreciation of work of the farmers would increase their enthusiasm and willing to work in the fields.

The farmers entirely support the proposal given by the Head of Turkmenistan that 70 percent of lands allocated by the state from new land fund would be used for the crops included into the state objective on contractual base while the excess of the yield and other agricultural crops cultivated on remaining land plots would be left for the farmers discretion.

After, the floor was given to tenant of Akgala Farmign Association from Halach etrap, Lebap Velayat Maral Gurbanova. Having cordially congratulated President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and all participants on the 27th anniversary of Turkmenistan Independence and start of work of the People’s Council, the spokesperson noted that huge work has been done in the country for relatively short historical period. From the first days of his activity on the highest government post, the Head of Turkmenistan pays great attention to development of the capital and velayats where integrated reforms are carried out. Modern living is built together with other different facilities.

The tenant highlighted that development of agricultural industry is under permanent care of Turkmen leader. It is indicated by the construction of facilities for production of mineral fertilizers. “Garabogazcarbamid” plant with output capacity of 1,155,000 tons of production in Balkan Velayat is one of the examples. These facilities will completely provide national agriculture with high quality mineral fertilizers as well as will allow Turkmenistan to be the exporter of chemical production. At the same time, new working places will be created with the opening of the facilities. 

On behalf of the farmers, M. Gurbanova expressed entire support to the proposal of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on openign of farms for growing and processing of fruits and vegetables, private livestock complexes, provision such facilties with land plots and granting of beneficial credits for procurement of modern machines and equipment.

The spokesperson said that it is great honour for her to speak from this high tribune not only on behalf of the farmers but also on behalf of all women of the country. This year, the Head of the State presented Turkmen people with excellent book “Worshiping of Mother – Worshiping of Saint”.

Resident of Serdar city, Balkan velayat retired Rejepmyrat Allanurov congratulated President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and people of the country on the first session of the People’s Council of Turkmenistan as well as on the 27th anniversary of independence on behalf of the representatives of elder generation participating in this forum.

R. Allanurov noted that convening of the People’s Council embodies unbreakable relation of times and generation, invariable commitment of our nations to advices of the ancestors and democratic fundamentals.

Continuing his speech, senior citizen noted that today, built and reconstructed medical centres and sanatoriums are at disposal of elder generation of Turkmenistan citizens. Health protection facilities, living and municipal, transport and communication spheres have various benefits for them. Pensions and state allowance are paid on time and there amounts are growing every year.

On behalf of elder generation, R. Allanuraov supported the proposals of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for rational use of natural reserves especially about the regulation of the payment for gas, electricity, water and salt.

R. Allanurov highlighted that informative speech of the President of Turkmenistan caused huge inspiration of all participants of current session and the elders of the country unanimously support and approve important decision taken at the forum and the beginnings initiated by the head of the State aimed at further prosperity of the Motherland.

Deputy Head of Rovshen Private Enterprise from Mary YAgmyr Khanov was the next to make speech at the session. On behalf of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, the businessman warmly congratulated President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and all participants of the forum with coming Independence Day and the People’s Council.

Having highlighted the importance of large-scale activity of the Head of the State, the spokesman noted that owing to integrated changes, private sector is developing at high rates together with all spheres of national economy.

It was mentioned that local businessmen do great work for expansion of the variety of produced goods, reaching of their competiveness at the world markets, delivery of agricultural equipment, development of new lands, construction of hothouses, development of livestock and poultry farming. Activity of Turkmen businessmen in construction, textile industry, education and tourism spheres, advertisement and publishing is a matter of great pride. They build the facilities not only in our country but in fraternal foreign sates as well demonstrating excellent traditions of national architecture.

Private sector makes significant contribution to provision of food abundance. It is pleasant to realize that production of wide spectrum of import substitutive goods has been arranged in the country. 

Expressing full support of the entrepreneurs to the proposals given in the speech of the Head of the State, Ya. Khanov also noted that transit of the economy of Turkmenistan to market relations requires careful, rational and efficient use of national natural reserves.

Continuing the discussion of the subejects of the agenda of national forum, the floor was given to master of Balkan Shipyard of Turkmenbashy International Seaport Berdimammet Ashyrov who highlighted that owing to the care of the President, social and living level of people is improved, wide-scale economic projects and beginnings of international significance, which attracts the attention of the world community, are realized. 

Huge work is carried out for development of transport and communication sphere, system of international transport and transit corridors in West – East and North – South directions is established. Modern air routes, railway and motor roads, maritime and river lines became the symbols of friendship and solidarity between the nations.

Having completed big projects of regional and continental importance in transport sector, our country confirmed its commitment to the principles of wide international cooperation. It is indicated by the railways Kazakhstan – Turkmenistan – Iran, Serhetabat – Turgundy, opening of the first part of Asian International railway corridor Kerky – Imamnazar – Akina as well as automobile and railway bridges Kerky – Kerychy and Turkmenabat – Farab across Amudarya River.

Being the representatives of maritime transport of the country, B. Ashyrov made special mention of large-scale work carried out by Turkmen leader for development of national commercial fleet and turning of Turkmenbashy International Seaport into one of the modern and largest port complexes in the region.

After, Deputy Commander of Border Guard division of the State Border Guard Service Eziz Charieyv made a speech.

On behalf of the personnel of national Armed Forces, the delegate of th forum congratulated President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Army General Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and all participants on the 27th anniversary of independence and start of work of the People’s Council.

The speaker focused on book of the President “Turkmenistan – the Heart of the Great Silk Road” which gives valuable historical information including on such spiritual and moral merits primordially inherent to our nation as courage, patriotism, bravery and dedication. The officer highlighted that our defenders of the Motherland keep faith to wise advices of the ancestors and are proud that they are entrusted to fulfil this responsible objective to stay on guard of the Motherland.

On behalf of Turkmen military personnel, E. Chariyev assured President of Turkmenistan, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Army General Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov that they would continue stay on guard protecting the peace and life of native land and put all efforts to represent National Army at the ceremonial parade on occasion of the Independence Day.

After, the floor was given to second grade student of Turkmen State Institute of Finances Durdymuhammet Orazgulieyv and third grade student of Turkemn Agricultural University Doydul Gujiyeva, which on behalf of young generation congratulated the Head of the State and participants of the session on the 27th anniversary of independence. The speakers highlighted that they are sincerely glad that they take part in the session of the People’s Council where important objectives of the state and society are discussed. 

It was highlighted that formation of innovative system of national scientific and educational spheres, creation of the conditions for implementation of intellectual potential of youth are the most priority directions of the state policy of Turkmenistan. This the source of prosperity of Turkmen people, driving force of the state that defines the future of the generations.

The Concept of development of distant education, programme of teaching of foreign languages, introduction of advanced methods of teaching and computer technologies, international cooperation and close partnership relations with the leading foreign scientific and educational centres initiated by the President and successfully implemented outline new level in improvement of national education system. Significant success and acheivements in this field are recognized throughout the world. 

Finishing the speech, the speakers assured that young generation would continue using the Head of the State and his grandfather Berdymuhamed Annayev as examples making deserving contribution to the prosperity of the country by excellent study, scientific achievements and hard work.

Summing up the discussion, the President of Turkmenistan expressed the gratitude to all who spoke on the subjects of the agenda and took active part in the work of the session. Having stated that all speakers supported the initiatives proposed at current national forum, the Head of the State also highlighted that all proposals and remarks would be reviewed.

Turkmen leader noted that various proposals have been highlighted in the speeches of the participants of the People’s Council. Similar proposals was coming from the residents of all velayats for the year. In this context, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov highlighted that the documents that were drafted and adopted on their basis entirely meet the goals of development of the state and society for short and long-term perspective. 

Conclusions of the head of the State on the necessity of comprehensive modernization of agriculture by the improvement of the management, rational use of land and water resources, introduction of scientifically based crops rotation, advanced technologies and innovations received support in the speeches of the participants of the forum.

In this regard, the Head of the State expressed the confidence that implementation of relevant document adopted in this direction would give good results. Having noted the importance of this document, the President of Turkmenistan, Chairman of the People’s Council signed the Resolution on Further Improvement of Reforms in Agriculture.

Taking into account the approval of national forum, the President signed the Resolutions on Regulation of provision of the population of Turkmenistan with electricity, gas, drinking water and salt as well as on regulation of the utilities payment.

Addressing the participants of the session, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that all organizational issues of the activity of the People’s Council are regulated in full compliance with Constitutional Law on the People’s Council of Turkmenistan. The Head of the State highlighted that work of national forum is based on the principles of democracy, transparency, justice, supremacy of law, priority of universal standards of international law, equal rights of individual and citizens under the law, respect of rights and freedoms of people, free discussion and taking of decisions and taking into account public opinion.

The President also informed that he signed relative documents on award of the citizens who distinguished in their work with the State awards and conferring of honoured titles. The award ceremony will take place on September 26. The awards will be presented by the Chairperson of the Mejlis and Deputy Chairmen of the Cabinet of Ministers based on the branches they supervise.

After, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that next session of the People’s Council, which also would review priority issues of state and social life, would be held next year. Having suggested to hold it on September 25, 2019 in Ashgabat, the Head of the State signed relevant Resolution.

We would discuss number of important subjects related to the provision of conditions for further development of the country and prosperous life of people as well as would define the ways of successful fulfilment of adopted programmes, the President said.

After, the Head of the State spoke with the final speech to the participants of the forum, having highlighted that creative spirit of the nation aimed at the development of the country, confident move forward along the way of economic and social achievements is revealed clearly in modern historical age. It was comprehensively demonstrated at the first session of the People’s Council where the success of the country has been discussed.

We outlined the directions of Turkmenistan development for short and long-term perspective, which was reflected in programme documents adopted at current session. We ensured in the main thing during current representative forum that the nation intends to put all efforts, knowledge, work and abilities for successful realization of scientifically based programmes of social and economic development of country, Turkmen leader noted.

Realization of the plans would take Turkmenistan to the rank of developed states of the world with efficient economy based on innovative standards and with high level of life. Current session proved that we would be able to manage with honour these objectives and would gain success on the way to achievement of noble goals, the Head of the State emphasized.

Summing up the outcomes of national forum and stated that subjects of the agenda were highlighted, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov expressed sincere gratitude to the delegates of the People’s Council for active participation in their discussion.

Having addressed sincere congratulations on Turkmenistan Independence Day to all participants, the Head of the State wished everybody strong health and further success in their creative activity.

At this moment, the President of Turkmenistan announced the session of the People’s Council closed.

The state news agency of Turkmenistan

This year is the 17th anniversary of this tragedy. Georgian US express their solidarity to the Americans and condemn this terrible terrorist act.

The date, September 11, will forever evoke recollections of unimaginable tragedy, of lives callously lost and brutally cut short and of unspeakable horror and sorrow in the hearts and minds of all of us. We have all suffered. We have all felt the heartbreak of loss in lives. It was a horrible realization of the depths of the hatred that a select few in the world have for the United States, and a terrible tragedy. We must never forget the depths of inhumanity to which terrorist fanatics are willing to sink in the name of their depraved cause as they seek to destroy the very principles of freedom and democracy on which this great nation was founded. America has never made a mistake in its policy. Remember that we were attacked not for what we do wrong but for what we do right. We will not crumble under terror or tyranny! America are strong and resilient. Today is a day to remember the heroes of that day, the lives and loved ones lost, and to dedicate anew that every day we live on, we have already defeated hate. That is why each and every September 11, we as friends of the American people honor them who lost their lives that fateful day.

Mr. Ilia Zukakishvili

The President of the American Friendship club

September 11, 2018, Tbilisi, Georgia.

Within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, China will assist Georgia in the development of the so called Middle Corridor or the Transcaucasian International Transport Corridor - it was announced at the meeting of the of the Minister of Transport of the People’s Republic of China, Li Xiaopeng and the First Vice Prime Minister of Georgia, Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Dimitry Kumsishvili.

As it was noted at the meeting, Georgia is actively cooperating with partner countries on the development of the Transcaucasian International Transport Corridor or the so-called Middle Corridor, This is the international route, which provides delivery of the freight from China via land transport since 2015. The through tariff across the route is established as well.

“We asked the central as well as local Government of China to facilitate in promotion of the Transcaucasian International Transport Corridor or the so-called Middle Corridor, which means that we will be able to popularize our capabilities in certain provinces of China,” – Dimitry Kumsishvili stated.

Georgian side confirmed at the meeting the great importance it pays to the political support of the China in terms of the Middle Corridor development in order to make its role and importance within the BRI. Chinese Transport Minister confirmed the readiness to support Georgia in this regard.

“Besides, China will consider financial assistance to Georgia to attract rail containers,” – Chinese Transport Minister, Li Xiaopeng noted at the meeting. Li Xiaopeng confirmed that China is ready to contribute to the so-called Middle Corridor within the frames of the Road and Belt Initiative in order to make it even more occupied.

The statement followed Georgia’s initiative to organize show rooms in order to promote the Middle Corridor. In this regard, it is important to have the financial and organizational support from the local government of the Chinese provinces.

It was confirmed at the meeting that China will provide support for transportation and logistical infrastructure development in Georgia as well as the increase of the freight turnover. The sides discussed bilateral and regional relations and focused on the cooperation within the BRI implementation framework.

Negotiations on the development of the cooperation in the field of motor transport being held between the countries was also covered during the conversation. According to the Chinese Minister, the Chinese delegation will hold meetings in Georgia with the representatives of the Georgian side in June and prepare the proposals for the agreement.

First Vice Prime Minister of Georgia Dimitry Kumsishvili expressed gratefulness to the Chinese Transport Minister for his warm hosting and mutually beneficial decisions. Kumsishvili invited his Chinese counterpart to the International Maritime Forum to be held in Batumi, in September, 2018.

BEIJING, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Communist Party of China (CPC) has vowed to satisfy the people's desire for "a better life" and written the idea into a key political document, as the latest assertion of the Party's people-centered approach.

The Chinese phrase "mei hao sheng huo", which can be translated as "a better life" or "a happy life", appeared 14 times, including in both the opening section and the last paragraph, in a report given by Xi Jinping on Wednesday at the opening of the 19th CPC National Congress.

The report at the five-yearly congress is considered the most important political speech in China.

This year's report said socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a new era, and it draws up a two-stage development plan to build China into a "great modern socialist country" by mid-21st century, around the centennial of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

One of the key messages from Xi's report, a verdict on the principal issue facing Chinese society, has the word in it.

"What we now face is the contradiction between unbalanced and inadequate development and the people's ever-growing needs for a better life," Xi told more than 2,300 delegates from all walks of life attending the congress.

The needs to be met for the people to live a better life are increasingly broad, according to Xi.

Not only have their material and cultural needs grown, their demands for democracy, rule of law, fairness and justice, security, and a better environment are also increasing, he said.

It is not the first time that Xi has used the word "mei hao sheng huo."

"To meet the people's desire for a happy life is our mission," Xi said when meeting the press after being elected general secretary of the CPC Central Committee in late 2012.

Xi's statement was chimed later by the CPC's repeated pledge for a "people-centered approach", which is in line with the Party's fundamental purpose of wholeheartedly serving the people.

Also five years ago, the residents' per capita income was added into China's economic growth target, but the Party is determined to take care of more than the people's material needs.

It invested enormous efforts over past years into eliminating poverty, creating jobs and combating pollution in the world's most populous nation.

More than 60 million people have been lifted out of poverty since 2012. During the same period, an average of over 13 million urban jobs were created each year.

A "Beautiful China" initiative has been launched. Xi's quote, "Lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets," has struck home and been championed by many officials as well as ordinary people.

For years to come, the Party vows to develop socialist democracy, strengthen cultural soft power, continue to build a beautiful China, improve the people's well-being and develop new approaches to social governance.

The CPC has announced it aims to see that socialist modernization is basically realized by 2035, and to develop China into "a great modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious, and beautiful" by mid-21st century.

By the end of the second stage, China will be "a global leader in terms of composite national strength and international influence" and the Chinese people will "enjoy happier, safer, and healthier lives."