As the opening of the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou gets closer, people around the world are sending more and more good wishes for the games. As one of the co-host cities of the Hangzhou Asian Games, Jinhua has also extended its welcome to the world and received sincere wishes.

Consul General Ramazan Parvaz

On the morning of May 17, Xu Shufang, a staff member of the International Reception Working Group of the Jinhua Office for the Asian Games, brought an invitation letter to the Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Shanghai, inviting Consul General Ramazan Parvaz to gain an in-depth understanding of Jinhua and share the stories of the Asian Games.

According to Parvaz, he was one of the first consuls general in Shanghai to visit the main venue for the Hangzhou Asian Games after it was completed. The 7th Asian Games, which was held in Tehran, Iran in 1974, was the first Asian Games to witness China’s participation. Moreover, the Consulate General of Iran in Shanghai was the first stop of Jinhua’s activity “Diplomats Speak for Asian Games.” These three “firsts” show the profound friendship between China and Iran, stated Parvaz.

“I have been to Yiwu as well as other counties and cities in Jinhua. Jinhua is a city of culture with a long history, where people live a vibrant life and are hospitable,” said Parvaz. He is looking forward to the football and sepak takraw games, which will be held in Jinhua. “I like football very much, and Iran is strong in football. If I have the chance, I will definitely visit Jinhua again.” He hopes that the Asian Games will further promote the cooperation between Iran and Jinhua in textiles, film and television culture, and tourism.

Consul General Bouaphat Phoutthavong

Bouaphat Phoutthavong, Consul General of Laos in Shanghai, also sent his best wishes to Jinhua. He commented on what a beautiful city Jinhua is. Since 2015, when Jinhua launched the Jinhua Homestay project, many young people from Laos have learned about China and Chinese culture through Jinhua. Currently, freight trains departing from Jinhua can go directly to Vientiane, the capital of Laos, which has deepened bilateral trade.

“Being a co-host city for the Asian Games is an opportunity for Jinhua to showcase its ancient and unique culture to the world. I believe that more Lao people will ‘meet’ and understand Jinhua through the games,” said Phoutthavong. He added that Lao athletes are actively training for the Asian Games. Sepak takraw is a prominent sport in Laos, and he hopes the athletes will put on a good performance in Jinhua.

Xu stated that by holding the Diplomats Speak for Asian Games event during the 19th Asian Games when Jinhua is a co-host city, Jinhua hopes to present the city’s features and international image, enhance friendship among people of different countries, create an international atmosphere to welcome the games, and expand Jinhua’s influence. (By Fang Jing – Jinhua Daily, photo by Shi Kuanbing, translated by Jin Haiqiong, edited by Kendra Fiddler)