I am thinking about the advantages and benefits for cities that have twined with Beijing, an imperial city at the foot of the Great Wall and a city that has seen phenomenal growth.
For institutions and public services in charge of collective interests, common goods and the wellbeing of the city's residents, this is a time usually devoted to looking back at what's been achieved in the passing year, exchanging perspectives and looking into the future in a friendly environment as it is the case today.
For us who live here, we have noted with delight the sound decisions and measures adopted by the Beijing municipality to improve our environment and living space.
Under the patronage of the Fire Rooster, 2017 has proved to be a year of revival and great initiatives. Beijing has played host to a large number of international events and meetings, marking its first steps in the new era.
In May 2017, the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation saw the participation of 29 heads of state and government, and representatives from 130 countries and 70 international organizations.
One of the most ambitious programs of our century, the Belt and Road Initiative consolidated China's position as the world's second-largest economic power. More than 30 years of prosperity has given China its unprecedented diplomatic influence.
Another important event was the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, which was hailed by leaders of the world. In addition to the amendment to the Party Constitution, the 19th Party Congress set out the orientation and action plan to maintain and develop socialism with Chinese characteristics for the new era and to complete the building of a well-off society by 2020.
With regard to traffic and road safety, we have noted rigorous measures being adopted for traffic management; barriers being put up along roads to strengthen pedestrian protection; and the emergence of shared bicycles to make road traffic more fluid, though in this regard, people's awareness needs enhancing to avoid chaotic parking in certain areas and districts of Beijing.
Regarding environmental amelioration, efforts are being made to reinforce green spaces around Beijing, especially in the Olympic Forest Park and "Nirvana resort"; develop urban agriculture with the latest technologies; and clean the air.
Air quality has greatly improved as a result of a sharp decline in fine particulate matter and the number of sandstorms. This winter, the Beijing municipal government has honored its pledge by applying different measures to further improve the air quality.
Beijing will continue to improve the environment, and will host the 2019 World Horticultural Exposition. Referring to Beijing's successful experiences, the diplomatic corps here would like to respond positively to the invitation by the organizing committee.
True to its image as a major metropolitan city, Beijing is building a new international airport in Daxing district, scheduled to be operational in 2019. This showcases Beijing's tourist appeal and determination to play its leadership role in the new international context.
The members of the diplomatic corps and their families, as residents of Beijing, are delighted by all these positive and praiseworthy achievements, carried out relentlessly by the municipal government team to make our daily life easier and to beautify this city that we cherish even more.
The author Victor Sikonina is Madagascar's ambassador to China. The article is an excerpt from his speech at a reception for foreign diplomats in Beijing on Monday.
