TORUN, Poland, May 19 (Xinhua) -- The Belt and Road initiative and how it has changed the world was the topic of various panels and discussions at the fourth edition of International Asian Congress, held here on Thursday and Friday.

"We are all inspired by the New Silk Road idea," Deputy Marshal of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region Zbigniew Ostrowski said.

"The Belt and Road idea might also positively stimulate the Polish economy, so we actively take part in these actions, a proof of which is presence of Prime Minister Beata Szydlo at the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing," he added.

Ostrowski said the Kujawsko-Pomorskie region was an excellent example of growing interest in cooperation with China.

"The Belt and Road initiative was welcomed by Poland, that it will result in the mutual benefit of all participating countries," Radoslaw Flisiuk, head of the Chinese Department in Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said, "We believe this concept can become an important factor in international efforts to consolidate a base for sustainable development."

Flisiuk expressed hope the initiative would help strengthen Polish cooperation with China, but also with other countries along the way.

"The Belt and Road is open to all. China is willing to share opportunities of development," said Lin Jian, Deputy Head of Mission, the Chinese Embassy in Poland.

The congress also discussed broader cooperation between Europe and Asian countries, security issues in the Asia-Pacific region and political strategies in Asia.

The congress, organized by the Asia-Pacific Society and the Faculty of Political Science and International Studies of the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, attracts hundreds of scholars, researchers, experts and entrepreneurs each year.