Xi calls for deepening practical cooperation with Azerbaijan

Chinese President Xi Jinping called for deepening practical cooperation and strengthening coordination on international affairs with Azerbaijan on Wednesday.

During the talks with visiting Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Xi also underlined the need to further build up political mutual trust.

"No mountain or ocean can distance people who have shared aspirations. Friends bound by affection will not be estranged by time. Despite the changing international landscape, the China-Azerbaijan relationship remains solid and enduring. The two countries have always borne in mind the original aspirations of establishing diplomatic relations, adhered to mutual respect, fairness and justice, and win-win cooperation. Both sides should continue to enhance political mutual trust, deepen practical cooperation, strengthen coordination on international affairs, and usher in a new chapter of comprehensive cooperation between China and Azerbaijan, contributing to the development and revitalization of both countries, and better benefiting our people," Xi said.

At the invitation of Xi, Aliyev is on a state visit to China from April 22 to 24.

Xi calls for deepening practical cooperation with Azerbaijan

Xi calls for deepening practical cooperation with Azerbaijan

Xi calls for deepening practical cooperation with Azerbaijan

Xi calls for deepening practical cooperation with Azerbaijan

The 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the Ninth Special Olympic Games will conclude on Monday, with a full-dress rehearsal for the closing ceremony held Saturday night at Shenzhen Sports Center.

Lasting approximately 45 minutes, the rehearsal seamlessly integrated artistic performances with core ceremonial elements, including the entrance of sports delegations, flag reception, flag raising, and the singing of national anthem.

The ceremony aims to highlight themes of inclusion and unity, underlining the spirit of perseverance, solidarity, and determination. Messages of harmony between disabled and non-disabled individuals, shared values across the Greater Bay Area, and collective progress were central to the evening's presentation.

A total of 600 performers are participating in the closing ceremony, including about 130 persons with disabilities. Organizers worked to ensure a supportive environment by pairing each visually impaired performer with a non-disabled guide to assist during rehearsals and performances.

Behind the scenes, thoughtful design turns inclusiveness into action. Though visitors will see a simple, elegant stage, hidden modifications make it fully accessible. Traditional stairs have been replaced with ramps on both sides of the stage to accommodate wheelchair users and all performers, and anti-slip carpets have been laid throughout to ensure safety, especially for performers with mobility challenges.

Technical teams are also fine-tuning every detail, including stage visuals and lighting effects.

A total of 7,824 athletes from 34 delegations registered for this year's Games, held for the first time jointly across Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao in the Greater Bay Area. The competition includes 1,876 events in 46 sports, with six winter sports already concluded. Highlights also include 131 events in 11 mass-participation sports and 599 events in nine Special Olympics sports.

Under the slogan "Passionate National Games, Vibrant Greater Bay Area," the Games are also being used to promote innovation in assistive technologies. A range of advanced products will be put into use during competition, helping move technologies from laboratories into real-world testing and market application.

Full-dress rehearsal for National Para Games' closing ceremony held in Shenzhen