On the afternoon of May 15, Yin Yong, Mayor of Beijing, met with Francois Laurens, President of the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS), who came to Beijing for the 9th International Symposium on Rose Research and Cultivation.

Yin said that the successful convening of the 9th International Symposium on Rose Research and Cultivation in Beijing significantly promoted exchanges and cooperation between the city and the international horticultural community. As a time-honored floral species of China, the rose serves as the city flower for over 80 cities, including Beijing. It enjoys a profound historical and cultural heritage and widespread public appeal. Beijing has thoroughly implemented the philosophy of “Lucid Waters and Lush Mountains are Invaluable Assets”. Building on its efforts to develop into a forest city and a city of parks, it is now systematically advancing the development of the garden city and improving the urban environment through shaping a cityscape characterized by vibrant springs, lush summers, colorful autumns, and winters adorned in silver-ink tones. To promote integrated urban spaces for work, living, and nature, efforts should be made on establishing a spatial garden city framework characterized by “one eco-shield, five rivers, two axes, three green rings, nine wedge-shaped green spaces, and fifteen demonstration zones”. Yin expressed hope to further enhance exchanges and cooperation with ISHS in the fields of agronomy and horticultural science, working together to achieve more substantial progress in Beijing’s garden city development.

Laurens expressed appreciation for Beijing’s strong support for hosting the 9th International Symposium on Rose Research and Cultivation. He spoke highly of Beijing’s progress in gardening and greenery. ISHS is keen to boost communication with Beijing. By jointly establishing international platforms for horticultural exchanges, the two sides aim to promote cooperation in scientific research and landscape design, supporting Beijing’s garden city goals and horticultural development.

Zeng Jin, Secretary General of the People’s Government of Beijing Municipality, attended the meeting.