“As a megacity, Beijing is continually enhancing its public infrastructure and public services such as healthcare. While pursuing rapid development, the city remains committed to benefiting the people and making their lives better.” Yesterday morning, after hearing the Report on the Work of the Beijing Municipal Government, Hugo Siles, Ambassador of Bolivia to China, was profoundly moved by the “warmth” of this city.

A total of 43 diplomats from 35 embassies in China, representing nations such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Greece, Norway, Armenia, Bolivia, Mongolia, Cambodia, Turkey, Tanzania, and Seychelles, were invited to the opening of the Third Session of the 16th Beijing Municipal People’s Congress. Through the government work report, they gained a comprehensive understanding of Beijing’s development. Meanwhile, the event was covered by 18 journalists from 12 foreign and Hong Kong media outlets, including the Associated Press, Lianhe Zaobao, NHK, and Hong Kong Satellite Television.

Through the meeting, Hugo Siles, who has maintained a keen interest in Beijing, gained an in-depth understanding of the city’s development in areas such as scientific and technological innovation, investment, and ecological protection. He was also inspired by Beijing’s advanced experience in many aspects. “I hope that more cities in Bolivia can establish friendly relations with Beijing and engage in deeper cooperation in fields such as infrastructure, technological innovation, and environmental sustainability,” he said.

The government work report mentioned, “Beijing now boasts eight UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites, including the newly added Central Axis, ranking first among cities worldwide.” Vahe Gevorgyan, Ambassador of Armenia to China, was deeply moved by this achievement, saying, “I am particularly delighted to learn that Beijing Central Axis has been inscribed on the World Heritage List. This is not only a monumental achievement for Beijing but also a collective feat for the entire world.”

“The report outlines Beijing’s achievements in 2024, the current challenges and opportunities it faces, and the key tasks for 2025.” He stated that this report has given him a more comprehensive understanding of the city, saying, “With promising prospects, Beijing, as an international metropolis further opening up to the world, will offer broader development opportunities to different countries, regions, and cities.”

(Written by Fan Junsheng)