With Xiamen set to host the BRICS Summit on Sept 3-5, the coastal city in Fujian province has already begun training its crack team of 220 hosts and volunteers to look after its distinguished foreign guests during the summit.

The city organized its second training course for the selected hosts and volunteers on June 17.

The day-long course focused on topics including confidentiality, the duties of liaison staff and procedures for receiving foreign guests.

Liaison staff and volunteers of the BRICS Summit attend a training course. [Photo/xmfo.gov.cn]

The liaison staff and volunteers were all chosen from State-owned enterprises, banks and universities in Xiamen. They were selected for their high political awareness and comprehensive skills, as well as their proficiency in foreign languages.

Han Jingyi, deputy mayor of Xiamen and director of guest security for the summit, gave a pep talk during the course. Han stressed that everyone involved in the reception shoulders the great responsibility of representing the city and even China to the world.

As the city enters its final phase of preparations for the summit, Han urged everyone involved to feel a sense of urgency. Every aspect of the security work is related to the safety of foreign guests and the success of the summit, Han said, adding that everyone should not be afraid of hardship and following directions.

Han Jingyi (left), deputy mayor of Xiamen, addresses liaison staff and volunteers of the BRICS Summit in Xiamen on June 17. [Photo/xmfo.gov.cn]

Other officials attending the training course included Li Xiaoping, director of the Xiamen's foreign and overseas Chinese affairs office and deputy director of guest security at the summit, and Yao Jianhong, deputy director in the foreign affairs office.

Xiamen plans to arrange more frequent training courses and rehearsals as the start of the summit approaches.