China holds closing ceremony for Shanghai World Expo

SHANGHAI, Oct. 31 (Xinhua) -- The 184-day Shanghai World Expo came to the end as a closing ceremony 闭幕式 started here Sunday evening.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and other dignitaries显要人物 attended the ceremony.

Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan said the Expo has made China and the world come closer together, and a more open, inclusive [inˈklu:siv]包容的 and culturally advanced China that steadily稳定的 moves forward will join other countries in the world tousher [ˈʌʃə] 引领 in an ever brighter future for all.

He said the Expo spirit [ˈspirit]精神 will be carried forward from generation to generation.

"I am convinced确信的 that the vision of 'Better City, Better Life' will become reality," he said.

President of the International Exhibitions Bureau (BIE) Jean-Pierre Lafon said Shanghai World Expo an "astounding使人震惊的 success".

"Shanghai shows that with a talented [ˈtæləntid]有才能的 organization, a willing to succeed and an excellent international communication campaign [kæmˈpein]运动, a World Expo always brings out a true fascination [ˌfæsəˈneɪʃən]魅力," he said.

The BIE flag was lowered and handed over by Han Zheng, Mayor of Shanghai, and Hong Hao, director general of the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination to Letizia Moratti, Mayor of Milan, and Giuseppe Sala, CEO of the Milan Expo 2015, via Lofon and BIE Secretary-General Vicente Gonzalez Loscertales.

Wen Jiabao declared宣布 the Shanghai World Expo closed.