BEIJING - Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said on Sunday that the Shanghai World Expo will be a diplomacy priority for the year as nearly 100 foreign leaders are expected to visit Shanghai.

"The World Expo will not only be an international event in the economic, social, scientific, technological and cultural fields, but also in the diplomatic arena," he said.

Yang made the remarks on the sidelines of the annual meeting of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature.

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He also said China expects to receive almost 100 foreign leaders and millions of people from across the world to come and visit the World Expo.

Yang said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its overseas diplomatic missions have been working closely with Shanghai authorities in helping with promoting the participation of the World Expo and have established a strong team for that.

"I believe the Shanghai World Expo will be successful, spectacular and unforgettable," Yang said.

Yang said the year 2010 is a very important year for China to continue tackling the international financial crisis and promoting the recovery of world economy.

"We will be very active in carrying out all-around diplomacy, with a priority given to summit diplomacy and diplomacy surrounding the World Expo," Yang said.