Sixth Major Cities' Summit ClosedThe Sixth Major Cities' Summit Beijing 2000 closed Friday. In the two-day summit, leaders from more than 30 cities discussed such issues as economic globalization, the impact of information technology on cities, future challenges facing cities and adapting construction and management to the demands of the new century.Leaders reached a consensus that the 21st century is "the century of cities" and the process of urbanization is irreversible. They pointed out that differences in political systems and culture should not be obstacles to friendly exchanges between cities. It is the second time for a developing country to hold the summit. Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji attended the opening ceremony and UN Secretary-in-general Kofi Annan sent his congratulatory message to the summit. The member cities of the summit signed the Beijing Declaration, promising to tighten cooperation to create beautiful, comfortable, just and safe living conditions for cities. The summit further enhances future development and cooperation of cities in the next century, Liu Qi, mayor of Beijing, said at his closing speech. The seventh session of the summit is to be held in Madrid , Spain in 2003. The summit was first staged in Tokyo in 1985 and has since been held every three years. |
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