The delegation of Association of Chinese French in Southern France said they were so impressed by breathtaking scenery and improved living standard after a field trip to southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

At the informal discussion on October 9, Song Binglin, consul general of Consulate General of People's Republic of China in Marseilles met with and extended his congratulations to  the delegation on their successful visit to Tibet.

Song said, great changes has taken place in Tibet since the democratic reform in 1950s, with the strong support of the Communist Party of China and people from other inland provinces and cities.

On the 5th National Work Conference on Tibet held early this year, further development goals were made that Tibet would strive to narrow the gap of per capita net income between rural Tibetans and the national average by 2015, and to level up with the national average by 2020.

Song also briefed on the social and economic development of Tibet, Tibetan Buddhism and feudal serfdom system and answered questions raised by the representatives.

Zhang Chengcai, president of the Science College of No.2 University of Aix-Marseilles thanked the association's support for their visit to Tibet on behalf of the delegation.

Zhang said, during their visit, the delegates were so impressed by the breathtaking scenery and had close contact with local Tibetans witnessing their improved living standard as well as China's determination and great efforts in promoting the local development.

The delegation also displayed some photos taken during the trip and shared with all attendees. Moved by the warm atmosphere and interactive discussions, the representatives expressed their hope to visit Tibet again for a closer look at the end of the meeting.