According to the information released May 7 on the official website of the Foreign Affairs Office of Sichuan Province, the People's Republic of China and the Kingdom of Spain had come to an agreement that the latter will open a consulate general in Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province.

Up to now, 20 countries have been approved to set up their consular agencies in Chengdu, which ranks third in the Chinese mainland and first in central and western China in this aspect.

"The longer I stay in Chengdu, the more I am impressed by its fast growth and openness," said Mr. Kare Srol, Consul General of the Consulate General of the Czech Republic in Chengdu, at a new year reception held in January for foreign consular officers in Chengdu. "I really appreciate Chengdu's efforts to upgrade its transportation infrastructure, build new cultural and sports venues, import more foreign goods, promote the development of international schools in the city, and to open more new international air routes," he said.

"The consular officers in Chengdu have not only witnessed the city's rapid development, but also have contributed a lot to connecting the city to other parts of the world," an official from the Foreign Affairs Office of the Chengdu Municipal People's Government said.