Storyline: Forum in Xi'an explores China-Europe freight trains' role in driving joint development [Voice_over] The second China-Europe Railway Express International Cooperation Forum opened Monday under the theme “Connecting Asia and Europe, Sharing the Future.” The event brought together government officials from railway-route countries, diplomats, representatives from international organizations and Chinese ministries all aiming to deepen dialogue and build wider consensus for the safe, stable operation of the cross-continental network. [Sound_bite] Maja Stefanović, Serbian Ambassador to China: "This railway is very important not only as an instrument, if I may say, a steel caravan, for enhancement of trade relations between our countries, but it is also a bridge for enhancement of people to people contacts. I think that Chinese high development and opening up will also be very beneficial for the whole world, including Serbia." [Voice_over] At the Xi'an International Port, one of the busiest departure points for China-Europe freight trains, diplomats gathered to observe how the city has become a vital engine connecting Eurasia. Xi’an’s rail service has surged from fewer than 100 trains a year in its early days to over 5,000 in the first ten months of this year, now leading the country in departures. The network has also expanded from a single route to 18 major corridors reaching across Central Asia and deep into Europe. [Sound_bite] Reza Pirpiran, Counselor, Embassy of Iran in China: "This is a very great and wise project because it has political, economic, geopolitical and logistical and even cultural dimensions. I think this shows China's commitment to further open up and further exchange of trade between the countries, not just Europe and China, but also the countries on the route, which are rowing economically and playing a more important [role] in economic geography of the world." [Voice_over] With its fast-growing rail network and expanding international partnerships, Xi’an is emerging as a key hub linking Asia and Europe. Diplomats say this visit helped them better understand China’s openness and high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]