The Chinese Foreign Ministry1 said on Wednesday that Cardinal2 Gianfranco Ravasi, president of the Pontifical3 Council for Culture will take part in relevant activities at the 2019 Beijing International Horticultural Exhibition.
中国外交部周三表示,天主教宗座文化委员会主席、红衣主教吉詹弗兰科·拉瓦西将参加2019北京国际园艺博览会的有关活动。
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
applied4 for their
participation5 in the expo.
China expects to boost green development through this event with all participants,
noted6 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.
China and the Vatican have no official diplomatic ties.
Last September, the two sides reached a provisional agreement on the appointment of
bishops7 in China.
Lu said ever since then, China and the Vatican have been continuing to talk
actively8 and working hard to improve relations.