A delegation headed by Bernard Accoyer, President of the National Assembly of France, visited the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination along with Herve Ladsous, the French Ambassador to China.

Xu Weiguo, an official of the Bureau, escorted the delegation to the exhibition hall and showed them Expo preparation work.

Xu said that 234 countries and international organizations have confirmed participation in Expo 2010 and about 200 of them have signed participation contracts. Expo Shanghai's UBPA will be a highlight with advanced international urban structures and cases. The UBPA will showcase the advantages of urban development and environmental protection.

Xu also discussed some of the performances and promotions of Expo 2010 to the delegation.

Accoyer thanked Shanghai for its hospitality and brought President Nicolas Sarkozy's best wishes for Expo 2010. He said that China had successfully hosted the Beijing Olympics and Expo 2010 will now be the focus for the world.

Accoyer said that Expo 2010 was hoping to offer solutions to problems of urbanization and also influence philosophies and the concept of environmental protection. He said he was looking forward to Expo 2010.

Accoyer also learned about progress on the French Pavilion and the delegation enjoyed a bird's eye view of the Expo site.