At the invitation of the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs, Former Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern attended the 2011 Eco-Forum Global in Guiyang, Guizhou province in China, July 12. He expressed that he was impressed that a forum about ecological civilization was held in a developing city such as Guiyang.

Ahern also praised Guiyang as a beautiful forest city after taking a tour to the ancient town of Qingyan and Qianling Park. Ahern visited the ancient town of Qingyan and was delighted to see outlets filled with handicrafts. When picking up a paper fan, he said, “It is difficult to find real traditional handicrafts given they are time- and effort-consuming, and the thing is people do not have time.” He also visited the former residence of the father of late Premier Zhou Enlai.

Under the guidance of staff, Ahern also participated in planting osmanthus sapling in Guanshan Lake Park. Later, he signed his name on the tree signage and invited volunteers to take photos, which won big applause.