Hua Junduo, China's commissioner general for Expo, presents Shanghai Expo mascot Haibao to his Burundian counterpart.

The Burundian delegation visit the master plan exhibition hall in the Expo Mansion.

The central African nation of Burundi will soon begin preparation work for World Expo 2010 Shanghai, Gasunzu Pascal, Burundi's commissioner general for Expo, said during a visit to the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination today.

Hua Junduo, China's commissioner general for Expo, welcomed the Burundi delegation, as he presented a progress report. Hua said Expo preparations had reached a detailed stage and he hoped Burundi would sign a participation contract in the very near future.

Hua said Expo organizers would spare no effort to make the Africa Joint Pavilion a highlight of the Expo site. He added the organizers would fully respect the participants’views on construction and decoration of the pavilion.

Pascal thanked the organizers and said the Burundi government would view Expo as an opportunity to learn from China and other countries.