China congratulates Gabon on the successful presidential election, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said at a press briefing in Beijing on Monday.
Guo made the statement in response to a media query about the announcement of the preliminary results of the presidential election by the Gabon national elections and referendum coordination committee, which revealed that transitional President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema won the first round with 94.85 percent of the votes.
"China congratulates Gabon on the successful presidential election. President Xi Jinping has sent a congratulatory message to Mr. Nguema. China and Gabon are traditional friendly countries and comprehensive strategic partners. China highly values the development of China-Gabon relations and is willing to work together with Gabon to carry on traditional friendship, implement the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, deepen exchanges and cooperation in various fields, and continuously enrich the connotation of the China-Gabon comprehensive strategic partnership, so as to better benefit the people of the two countries," said Guo.
China congratulates Gabon on successful presidential election
China congratulates Gabon on successful presidential election
Various departments in south China's Guangdong Province have been working together to facilitate the passenger flow for the ongoing Canton Fair and the upcoming May Day holiday.
The 137th edition of the Canton Fair, officially known as the China Import and Export Fair, is the country's key expo for export. Its third phase, which kicked off on Wednesday, coincides with the bustling May Day holiday from Thursday to next Monday.
The Pazhou Ferry Terminal, located 300 meters from the Canton Fair complex and the only downtown waterborne cross-border hub in Guangzhou, has become a key entry point for international attendees.
Over 7,500 foreign passengers passed through the terminal from the Canton Fair's opening to Wednesday, a 40 percent year-on-year increase, according to the terminal's Zhoutouzui Border Inspection Station.
"The passenger volume is expected to grow from last year. We have dispatched additional police forces to the entry and exit hall at the terminal. Meanwhile, we have set up a special channel for the Canton Fair to ensure that all inspection channels are open during peak hours," said Yan Xuezheng, an immigration officer at Zhoutouzui border inspection station.
Guangzhou's transport authorities have mobilized around 2,000 taxis and ride-hailing vehicles daily around the Canton Fair venue for the travel rush of the fair participants and holiday travelers.
The Guangzhou Public Transport Group has arranged 1,500 overnight patrol taxis and 500 emergency vehicles on standby to address sudden demand spikes.
"During the May Day holiday, more than 12,700 cruising taxis will be dispatched to the area around the Canton Fair venue, to ensure the transportation during the peak passenger flow period," said Chen Weijian, a youth volunteer at Guangzhou Public Transport Group.
Youth volunteers have been stationed across the fair complex to provide guidance. At the same time, the city's Commerce Bureau partnered with ride-hailing platforms to offer discounted "welcome packages," encouraging visitors to explore Guangzhou's cultural charm and experience its unique lifestyle.
The Canton Fair has been held every spring and autumn in Guangzhou since its founding in 1957 and has been seen as a barometer of China's foreign trade.
Guangdong steps up passenger flow management for holiday and Canton Fair
