Xi attends opening of International Horticultural Exhibition

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday attended the opening ceremony of the International Horticultural Exhibition 2019 Beijing.

Themed on "Live Green, Live Better," the expo attracts the participation of 110 countries and international organizations.

The opening ceremony of the Beijing International Horticultural Exhibition is held on April 28, 2019. [Photo: Xinhua]

The national flag of the People's Republic of China was raised, with the national anthem being performed and sung.

The flags of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) and the Beijing expo were also raised along with their anthems.

With a great diversity of gardens and cultural activities, the Beijing expo will, for the next six months, inspire and educate visitors on the critical significance of plants to enhance quality of life and ensure the future of the next generations, said Vicente Gonzalez Loscertales, secretary general of the BIE, while addressing the ceremony.

"China has led the way in promoting green development. It is clear that the Chinese government supports ecologically sensitive development in order to create a 'Beautiful China'," said AIPH President Bernard Oosterom at the ceremony. "I am confident that the legacy of this expo will be greener lives for generations to come."