BEIJING, April 17 (Xinhua) -- A representative of the Vatican will participate in the 2019 Beijing International Horticultural Exhibition at the invitation of the event's organizing committee, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Wednesday.

Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, president of the Pontifical Council for Culture, will attend relevant activities as the Vatican's chief representative for the expo, spokesperson Lu Kang told a press briefing.

A total of 110 countries and international organizations will attend the expo, which will kick off in late April, Lu added. "We hope to work with all participants to promote green development through the expo."

On the ties between China and the Vatican, Lu said the two sides "have maintained contact and consultations" to push forward the improvement of their relations since they signed a provisional agreement on the appointment of bishops last September.