BEIJING, Feb. 27 (Xinhua) -- China welcomes all like-minded countries to take part in the joint construction of the Belt and Road, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Wednesday.

According to recent media reports, Stephen Jacobi, executive director of New Zealand-China Council, said that the B&R Initiative is conducive to the domestic economic development of New Zealand and the deepening of NZ-China ties.

"Since its inception, with the principle of seeking shared benefits through extensive consultation and joint contribution, the Initiative has been well recognized by most members of the international community," spokesperson Lu Kang said at a press briefing.

An increasing number of countries and international organizations have taken part in the Initiative, and a series of pragmatic achievements benefiting all parties have been made, he said.

Pertaining to China's stance on the prospects of New Zealand's participation in the Initiative, the spokesperson said that China welcomes all like-minded countries in the joint construction of the B&R.

"We stand ready to work with all parties to advance mutually beneficial cooperation based on the principles of openness, inclusiveness, win-win results through cooperation, as well as seeking shared benefits through extensive consultation and joint contribution," he added.