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18:02, 17-Apr-2019
China confirms Vatican's participation in Beijing garden expo
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The Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday that Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, president of the Pontifical Council for Culture will take part in relevant activities at the 2019 Beijing International Horticultural Exhibition.
The event is expected to last from April 29 to October 7, with the theme of "Live Green, Live Better".
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang said so far, over 110 countries and organizations have applied for their participation in the expo.
China expects to boost green development through this event with all participants, noted Lu.
On Tuesday, Ravasi told reporters that the Vatican will take part in the international horticultural expo in Beijing, and will have a pavilion there.
File photo of the St Peter's Square in the Vatican.
File photo of the St Peter's Square in the Vatican.
China and the Vatican have no official diplomatic ties.
Last September, the two sides reached a provisional agreement on the appointment of bishops in China.
Lu said ever since then, China and the Vatican have been continuing to talk actively and working hard to improve relations.
(Top image: Aerial photo shows the Chinese Pavilion under construction at the 2019 Beijing International Horticultural Exhibition in Yanqing district of Beijing, China, January 11, 2019. /Xinhua Photo )