As the Mid-Autumn Festival approaches, the streets and alleys of Hong Kong are adorned with colorful lanterns, exuding an air of holiday merriment.
Buying mooncakes and admiring lantern displays are traditional customs for Hong Kong residents during the Mid-Autumn Festival, which falls on September 17 this year. Celebrations are in full swing, with vibrant lantern exhibitions held across the city, where locals and visitors alike pause to capture moments, snap photos, and revel in the joyous activities together.
"The atmosphere of Mid-Autumn Festival in Hong Kong is particularly rich because it's a day for traditional family reunions. People buy mooncakes, admire the moon, and there are colorful lantern displays in many areas, like at the Victoria Park, the Hong Kong Cultural Center and the Sha Tin Park. People can feel the warm and bustling ambiance everywhere," said Ng Tang, chairman of the Hong Kong Shanxi Chamber of Commerce Limited.
Mooncakes in Hong Kong stores become especially popular, as many residents choose them for family visits and gatherings.
"The Mid-Autumn Festival is a traditional holiday. As it approaches, many people in Hong Kong start shopping around for mooncakes. Both locals and tourists visiting Hong Kong are eagerly anticipating this festival," said a local mooncake saleswoman.
Mid-Autumn Festival mood spreads across Hong Kong
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
