The 3rd China Xizang Trans-Himalaya Forum for International Cooperation, a three-day event, kicked off in Nyingch, Tibet autonomous region on Thursday.

Hosted by the People's Government of the Tibet autonomous region and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the three-day gathering brings together representatives from more than 40 countries, regions, and international organizations, including Pakistan, Afghanistan, Italy and Norway.

Themed "Promoting the Harmony of Humans and Nature, Sharing the Fruits of Cooperation and Development", the forum aims to build international consensus on advancing ecological conservation, and facilitate sustainable development in the trans-Himalaya region.

Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, said sitting at the world's highest altitude, the trans-Himalaya region boasts unique ecosystems, rich species and resources, and diverse cultures and history, and enjoys broad space for cooperation.

It is a land brimming with vigor and promise. Since the launch of this forum, under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for the New Era, especially Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization, China has engaged in extensive and in-depth cooperation with other countries in the trans-Himalaya region, and played an important role in bolstering economic and social development and improving the governance of the eco-environment in the region, he said.

Wang Junzheng, Party secretary of the Tibet autonomous region, spoke at the keynote forum on Thursday. He emphasized the importance of working together to develop clean energy, agriculture, digital economy, and other areas. He also mentioned the idea of working together to develop the Himalayan Economic Cooperation Belt.

Luamanuvae Albert Mariner, the Samoan ambassador to China, explained to China Daily in an exclusive interview that the forum brings all the regional countries together to engage in important dialogue and explore solutions to some of the key critical challenges, not only in the region, but in the global context.

"Good neighbors are more important, more valuable than gold, and that is the essence of the forum to continue to explore areas to pursue mutual trust and cooperation on issues that are critical to the region," he said.

According to a news conference held on Thursday night regarding the forum, the Tibet autonomous region will take multiple measures to further expand its opening-up to the outside world.

"Tibet will further relax access conditions, establish open platforms, and expand exchanges and cooperation," said Yang Lahong, deputy director of the foreign affairs office of the Tibet autonomous region.

"We will organize more high-quality and high-standard international activities such as the China Tibet Development Forum, the China Tibet Tourism and Culture International Expo, and the Trans-Himalaya Forum for International Cooperation," said Yang.

"We will vigorously develop international sister-cities, strengthen exchanges and cooperation with friendly international organizations, and promote mutual learning and cooperative development between Tibet and various parts of the world," she added.