Wang Qishan, acting mayor of Beijing, expressed his gratitude Friday for the support that the city received from foreign governments and international organizations in Beijing's combat against severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

Addressing a reception for foreign diplomats in China hosted by the Beijing municipal government, Wang said the achievements in fighting against SARS should be attributed to the central government's strong and correct leadership, the unselfish support from all overseas Chinese, and the assistance from friendly countries and international organizations.

Wang said that Beijing also made progress in its economic construction and social development in the course of fighting against SARS.

Liu Qi, secretary of the Beijing Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China, also attended the reception.

Eleih-Elle Etian, ambassador from the Republic of Cameroon and head of the foreign diplomatic mission, congratulated Beijing on its success in SARS control and on its progress in economic construction and social development.

(Xinhua News Agency June 28, 2003)