The 9th International Symposium on Rose Research and Cultivation officially kicked off on Sunday in Beijing, marking the first time the event has been held in China in its 40-year history.
Over 1,000 rose varieties from both domestic and international sources are on display at the five-day event, which is scheduled to last until May 15.
In addition to an indoor exhibition hall, the event has also set up a sprawling 230,000-square-meter outdoor rose-themed science and exhibition areas, including three domestic gardens and four international gardens which creates a global cultural hub for roses.
Meanwhile, vibrant festival atmosphere is enhanced by markets, flower parades, and musical performances, promoting a new scene for cultural and leisure consumption through the integration of conferences, exhibitions, and festivals.
The symposium serves as a global platform for rose cultivation, with Beijing chosen for its rich genetic resources of roses.
China boasts nearly 10,000 rose varieties, and the rose has been designated as the city flower in 53 prefecture- and -above level cities.
In Beijing, the blooming period extends from April to November, making roses a prominent feature in urban landscaping and an essential part of garden city development.
9th edition of int'l symposium on rose research, cultivation opens in Beijing
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
