BEIJING, Oct. 31 (Xinhua) --The following is the full text of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao's speech delivered at the opening ceremony of Expo 2010 Shanghai China Summit Forum held in Shanghai, east China, Oct. 31, 2010.

Expo Spirit Forever

Address by H.E. Wen Jiabao

Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China

At the Expo 2010 Shanghai China Summit Forum

Shanghai, Oct. 31, 2010

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao addresses the opening ceremony of the Expo 2010 Shanghai China Summit Forum held in Shanghai, east China, Oct. 31, 2010. The Shanghai World Expo 2010 is set to be closed later here Sunday.(Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Expo 2010 Shanghai China is coming to close. This is an Expo that has attracted worldwide attention. Under the theme of “Better City, Better Life”, the Expo has put on display the splendid achievements of contemporary civilizations, pooled human wisdom in exploring the path of urban development, set many Expo-related records, and added a glorious chapter to the Expo history.

Expo 2010 Shanghai has been a successful event. A total of 246 official participants, including 190 countries and 56 international organizations, have taken part in this Expo, more than in any previous Expo. Since 1 May, there have been more than 70 million visits to the Expo, another record number in the Expo history. People form around the world streamed to the Expo Site situated along the beautiful Huangpu River. Undeterred by the searing heat or soaking rain, they waited patiently in long lines to witness this much anticipated event. For the first time, an Online Expo was launched, opening a new window for more people to be part of the Expo. Through such extensive participation, Expo 2010 Shanghai has truly brought together people around the globe.

Expo 2010 Shanghai has been a splendid event. The Expo Site, which covers about six square kilometers, is like a global village. Here, you can find a rich variety of structures, each with its distinct and exquisite style, the British Pavilion resembling a huge dandelion dancing in the breeze, the Canadian Pavilion in the shape of a maple leaf, and the Saudi Pavilion which looks like a sailing treasure boat. And they all speak to the best of human ingenuity. Here, you can see on display rare cultural treasures of the world: the bronze chariot and horse sculpture from China’s Warring States period, the statue of Athena from Greece, the masterpieces of French impressionist painters, the Litter Mermaid from Denmark and the Aldabra giant tortoises from the Seychelles. They are truly a feast to the eyes. Here, over 100 cultural performances were staged every day. Through a total of more than 20,000 cultural events, visitors got a taste of the quintessence of the world’s diverse cultures and found it a rewarding cultural experience. Here political leaders, business people, government officials, experts and scholars gathered together at the series of Expo Forums to share insightful vies an discuss the future of the world, firing people with imagination and inspiration. All this has made Expo 2010 Shanghai an encyclopedia lying open on the land and a magnificent painting showcasing the integration and harmony of diverse cultures.

Expo 2010 Shanghai has been an unforgettable event. The Expo has brought together the Chinese people who wish to learn more about the world and foreign friends who wish to know more about China. Thanks to the Expo, they have forged a strong bond of friendship. At the opening ceremony of the Expo, two Tibetan kids from the earthquake-affected Yushu county of Qinghai Province joined kids of different countries and different colors. They embraced each other and held hands together. That scene is a vivid example of human solidarity and fraternity in the face of adversity. Yamada Tomiyo from Japan, known as “Expo Granny,” began her 18 trips to China four years ago in anticipation of the event. When the Expo opened, she bought 183 tickets and came to visit the site every day. There is an old lady in her seventies from the countryside of Zhejiang Province. She rented a small apartment in Shanghai to provide free accommodation to Chinese and foreign visitors while she herself would sleep on a small couch. Her story has touched all of us. I would like to mention in particular the more than 80,000 volunteers at the Expo site, whose green tops and white pants earned them the lovely nickname of “Little Cabbages,” and the nearly tow million volunteers working across the city. Their bright smiles and hospitable services are the best name card for a real China.

Expo 2010 Shanghai is the first Expo held by a developing country, the first held in the downtown area of a mega-city, and it was held under the shadow of the international financial crisis. This is a severe test to China and Shanghai. Over the past eight years, we mobilized resources throughout the Country and pooled the wisdom of the world in the preparation for the Expo. The people of Shanghai, in particular, made selfless contributions and the International Exhibitions Bureau and hot countries of past Expos provided valuable guidance. The success of the Expo could not have been possible without the tireless efforts of many people, including the organizers, construction workers, staff members, visitors and volunteers. It is their sincerity, wisdom and hard work that have rendered splendor to the Expo. On behalf of the Chinese government, I wish to express heartfelt gratitude and pay high tribute to all the comrades and friends who have participated in, supported and contributed to the Shanghai Expo.