On May 27, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China and the People's Government of Beijing Municipality jointly hosted the activity entitled "Cultivating Friendship Woods, Experiencing Beijing's New Development" for the foreign diplomatic envoys in China. Nearly 150 diplomats from over 140 diplomatic corps in China, including the DPRK, Egypt, Malta, Fiji, the Bahamas and Chile, participated in planting the friendship woods together and experienced the development and changes in Beijing. Vice Foreign Minister Le Yucheng and Vice Mayor Yang Jinbai attended the inauguration ceremony of the "Friendship Woods".

A newly planted tree brings shades to the neighbors. In the "Friendship Woods", which is located at Jinzhan Forest Park, the diplomatic envoys planted trees standing for friendship and watered the saplings together, taking concrete action to make Beijing greener.

In recent years, Beijing has vigorously implemented the green development strategy. The forest coverage has reached 44.4 percent, park land per capita has reached 16.5 square meters, and the urban ecological carrying capacity has been significantly improved. At the same time, the development of beautiful countryside and the improvement of living environment are underway. 24,200 mu of rural areas have been made greener and more beautiful. 197 villages have been recognized as national forest villages.

Mohamed Abd El-Sattar Elbadri, the Egyptian Ambassador to China

He expressed that China, no matter in the past or at present, has been nurturing the world with its profound civilization. Tree-planting symbolizes harmony between man and nature, and also harmony between China and the world.

“It also represents the seeds of our commitment as China and all we ambassadors present here and who were not able to come as well that we are committed to the seeds of growing relationship with China.” said Mohamed Abd El-Sattar Elbadri.

Eleazar Velasco, Minister of the Embassy of Mexico in China

He said the "Friendship Woods" planted by diplomats in China is a reflection of friendly relations between countries. The deeper we understand each other, the better it will be for cooperation between countries.

Gerardo Bugallo, Counsellor of the Embassy of Spain in China

He said he first visited China in 2003, and was impressed by Beijing's continuous improvement in the environment over the years. The tree planting activity is particularly meaningful, which not only shows Beijing's openness, but also demonstrates the concept of green and healthy development.

At Jinzhan East Village, Chaoyang District, the diplomatic envoys visited the cultural activity center and the village history hall, and took part in cultural activities with the villagers with great interest

Wenyuhe River Park, which is full of artistic garden landscape, natural wetlands and rivers with ecological conservation, and diversified amusement facilities for parents and children, impressed and amazed the diplomatic envoys

In the afternoon, the envoys drove to the Future Science City in Changping District to observe the planning sand table and visit science and technology enterprises to experience the energy and vitality of Beijing's development

The foreign diplomatic envoys spoke highly of the new achievements of Beijing's development, saying that the joint cultivation of the "Friendship Woods" has deepened the friendship between China and other countries, Beijing and other cities. The continuous expansion of green ecological space not only creates a more livable living environment, but also reflects Beijing's efforts to contribute to global sustainable development. The clean and orderly rural environment and colorful cultural and sports activities make people enjoy the development fruits of the beautiful countryside. With its strong atmosphere of innovation and vibrant innovation ecosystem, Beijing makes diplomatic envoys full of expectations for its future development. They hope to further deepen cooperation and exchanges with Beijing in all aspects.

(Photos from Beijing Daily, Xinhua News Agency, Beijing Foreign Affairs Office)