Arthur Schneier, an American rabbi, and founder and head of The Appeal of Conscience Foundation, speaks during a reception celebrating the forthcoming Shanghai World Expo at Consulate-General of the People's Republic of China in New York, the United States, on April 9, 2010. US lawmakers and religious leader on Friday expressed their best wishes to the forthcoming Shanghai Expo. [Xinhua]

US lawmakers and religious leader on Friday expressed their best wishes to the forthcoming Shanghai Expo at a grand reception at Consulate-General of the People's Republic of China in New York.

Assemblyman of New York State Willian Colton said he shared the "happiness" and "excitement" at the coming great World Exhibitino 2010 in Shanghai.

Recalling his exciting trip to Shanghai three years ago, Colton said, "I saw the great city and the great people of Shanghai and they know that the Waterfront of Shanghai has attracted many people from all over the world. It is very appropriate that it has been chosen as the site of the 2010 World Expo."

"This is a very important event for the people in the city, all over the world, including New York City," he said.

Colton later presented to Peng Keyu, Chinese Consul General in New York, together with his counterpart Felix W. Ortiz, a New York City citation, saying which is to express their "congratulations and best wishes on the occasion of the opening of Expo 2010 Shanghai China."

By telling the big changes he saw in Shanghai during his several trips to Shanghai in the 1990s, Ortiz said with confidence that Shanghai is to be a "big winner."

Peter Koo, a Republican member of the New York City Council, also expressed his sincere wishes for the Shanghai Expo.

Arthur Schneier, an American rabbi, and founder and head of The Appeal of Conscience Foundation, while expressing his congratulations to Shanghai for hosting the event, said he has a special feeling for Shanghai and its people as they were willingly to accept his mother and himself when the Hitler persecution of Jews took place in the 1930s. Although they finally found a safe place in Budpest because of various reasons, Schnerier still cherishes the feeling and friendship for the people of Shanghai.

As a long-time friend of China, Schneier said "I will never forget the generosity of the people of Shanghai. And they deserve of the support and all the respect. I here express the best wishes to the Shanghai Expo." "I think it will be a very important chapter for China's history, " he added.

At the beginning of the reception, Peng Keyu delivered a welcome address, wishing all could have a chance of "visiting the Expo, touring China and seeing the world" at their convenience.

(Xinhua News Agency April 10, 2010)