We, representatives of the members of 21st-Century Maritime Cooperation Committee from 52 cities and organizations in 25 countries of five continents, gathered in Fuzhou, Fujian, China, on May 17, 2018 to attend the 1st General Assembly of 21st-Century Maritime Cooperation Committee. With wide consensus on how to jointly build a community with a shared future and how to act on the “Belt and Road” Initiative so as to build a platform for maritime cooperation based in Asia-Pacific Region and faced to the world at large, as well as how to establish an inclusive, win-win and sustainable “blue partnership”, we declare that: 

1. We only have one Earth. The ocean, as the largest ecosystem on Earth, serves as the common space and invaluable wealth for the survival and sustainable development of humankind. Cooperation with the ocean as the vehicle and bond in the market, technology, and information, among others, is increasingly closer, and global economic development and social governance, are increasingly focused and dependent on maritime cooperation and development.　 

2. Seeking for our common interests and values from the ocean from the perspective of a community with a shared future and based on the important platform of the “Belt and Road” initiative is the right way to give full play to the wealth of resources of coastal cities and organizations, to deepen maritime exchanges and cooperation, and to utilize the opportunities we have and tackle the challenges we face. 

3. Upholding the Silk Road Spirit of peace and cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, mutual learning and mutual benefit, we will proactively facilitate negotiations on an equal basis; give emphasis on the areas of policy coordination, facilities connectivity, unimpeded trade, financial integration and people-to-people bonds. We will plan with overall consideration and launch a series of major projects surrounding maritime cooperation participated by all parties. We will develop a positive, practical partnership, and forge a “blue engine” for sustainable development.

4. We will strengthen exchanges and cooperation in areas including but not limited to port facilities construction, sea lane security guarantee, marine industries, marine cultures, protection of marine ecosystems, personnel, logistics, trade, finance, education and tourism, with focus on marine economy and digital economy. We will draw from each other’s best practices to fit in with our own development strategies and broaden the range of cooperation.

5. Based on the principle of shared development through discussion and cooperation, we are willing to establish the 21st-Century Maritime Cooperation Center as an effective dialogue and coordinated linkage mechanism; we are agreed to establish the 21st-Century Maritime Cooperation Fund to support the launching of key maritime cooperation projects; we are agreed to set up the 21st-Century Maritime Cooperation Think Tank, which will provide far-sighted and operable strategic policy suggestions to promote shared development, practical cooperation in all areas, and win-win results among all parties.　 

6. We highly appreciate the efforts made by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the Fuzhou Municipality, Presidents of the Committee, in hosting the 1st General Assembly. This important meeting will be a starting point for all the members to further cement friendly relationships and enhance multilateral cooperation, and it will provide a strong basis for the future development of 21st-Century Maritime Cooperation Committee.

　　In Fuzhou, China.