This Winter, Harbin transforms into a vibrant hub of international collaboration as leaders from Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Brunei, and Thailand gather to inaugurate the 9th Asian Winter Games. Under the theme \"Dream of Winter, Love among Asia\", Chinese President Xi Jinping officially declared the Games open, marking another milestone in China's legacy of hosting major sporting events.
The 9th Asian Winter Games, the largest yet with over 1,200 athletes from 34 countries and regions, showcase Harbin's commitment to fostering cultural exchange and regional cooperation. This event follows China's successful hosting of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and previous Harbin and Changchun Winter Games, highlighting the nation's expertise in organizing world-class competitions.
Olympic Council of Asia Director General Husain Al-Musallam praised Harbin's preparations, emphasizing the city's excellent facilities, hospitality, and favorable climate as key factors for athletes' success. Supitr Samahito, Vice President of the Thai Olympic Committee, highlighted the Games' role as a universal language that transcends borders, enhancing mutual understanding among Asian nations.
Mitsuya Yuko, Vice President of the Japanese Olympic Committee, echoed these sentiments, stating that the Games are not just about sports but also about deepening connections across Asia. She emphasized the power of sports to foster communication and strengthen bonds between people.
Beyond the sporting events, President Xi engaged in productive talks with leaders from the participating nations, focusing on win-win cooperation. Discussions included expanding cross-border e-commerce, big data, artificial intelligence, and enhancing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Additional agreements aimed to develop the China-Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area and improve law enforcement cooperation with Thailand.
The 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin stand as a testament to Asia's growing unity and the pivotal role of sports in bridging cultures and driving regional growth.
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Asian leaders gather in Harbin for Asian Winter Games opening ceremony
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