Foreign envoys pose for a group photo with local officials. Photo: Courtesy of the People's Government of Sichuan Province

A total of 31 diplomats, including 19 ambassadors from Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America, along with seven charge d'affaires wrapped up a fruitful three-day tour in Southwest China's Sichuan Province on Wednesday.

During their time in Sichuan, the diplomats immersed themselves in the rich traditional cultural heritage of the region, visiting landmarks such as the Sanxingdui Museum and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, gaining insights into China's historical and cultural treasures. 

They also explored modern economic developments, visiting the Chengdu Qingbaijiang International Railway Port and attending a Sichuan enterprise promotion event, where they eagerly engaged with local businesses, discussing potential collaborations in agriculture, technology, and clean energy.

The diplomats also ventured into the rural heartlands, visiting Zhanqi village in Pidu district, where they witnessed firsthand the success of rural revitalization efforts and savored local delicacies like pickled tofu and handmade snacks. 

Expressing admiration for China's efforts in preserving cultural heritage and passing it on to the younger generations, diplomats like ­Paulette ­Bethel, the Ambassador of the ­Bahamas to China, emphasized the importance of cultural exchange between nations.

For many, the focus on clean energy solutions stood out. 

Ahmed Mustafa Fahmy, head of the League of Arab States' China representative office, praised China's leadership in clean energy technology, foreseeing deeper collaboration between Arab countries and China under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) framework.

Reflecting on their experiences, Martin Mpana, the Ambassador of Cameroon to China, expressed eagerness to apply lessons learned from Sichuan's rural development and economic strategies in Cameroon. 

Meanwhile, Sergio Valenzuela, the Charge d'Affaires of the ­Chilean Embassy to China, highlighted the vast potential for cooperation ­between the South American country and China in various fields, ­underscoring the ­limitless ­possibilities under a framework of mutually beneficial cooperation.