With the steps of Shanghai Expo 2010 draw- ing closer, a series of high-profile visits from world leaders will further light up the skyline of China's biggest metropolis. The presence of leaders from about 100 countries will stage a diplomatic feast and bring China again to the limelight of world attention.

Dignitaries who will attend the opening of the Shanghai Expo include French President Nicolas Sarkozy, Palestinian President and President of the Palestinian National Authority Mahmoud Abbas, European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, and UN General Assembly President Ali Abdussalam Treki. In addition, we expect to see more prominent figures joining the trend to visit China.

Some of the leaders will also pay a state visit to China, and this for sure will pave the way for closer bilateral ties and intensified cooperation between China and those countries.

The high-profile turnout for the Shanghai Expo indicates the international community recognizes the Expo as an unprecedented occasion to build international relations.

China has recognized the Shanghai Expo as an important diplomatic platform to display achievements of the country's social and economic development. The country also looks forward to making new friends and cementing old friendships with the participating countries.

A kaleidoscope showcasing the gems of cultures, trade, science and technology from the participating countries, the Shanghai Expo provides a rare opportunity to people and countries around the world to learn from each other and understand each other better.

China has been doing its utmost to bring a great success to the Shanghai Expo. We are willing to see the Expo serve as a bridge for more exchanges and better communication between countries. We believe the various bilateral and multi-lateral activities to be staged on the sidelines of the Shanghai Expo will help build more common ground among countries and bring concerted global efforts for the well-being of all humanity.