Beijing, Sep 07: China's foreign ministry has played host to the first group of visitors from the common public as part of the new government's efforts to offer more transparency to its functioning. "It is the first time the foreign ministry has opened to the public over the past half century since the founding of new China in 1949," executive Vice Foreign Minister Dai Bingguo told the 35 visitors yesterday, who were selected from among hundreds of participants in the ministry's online forum.
Dai said as foreign affairs have become increasingly closer to common man's lives, getting the public support has been of vital importance for the ministry. He hoped that such activities will help increase mutual understanding between public and the ministry.
Coming from different places in China, the 35 visitors are all interested in China's diplomatic work, often participating in internet discussions on some hot international issues as well as on China's foreign affairs, a news agency reported. Dai said the ministry would offer more opportunities in the future to help improve the understanding between the public and the ministry and that they are ready to receive more constructive proposals and suggestions about China's diplomatic development. Bureau Report