The following is a press release from Mayor Setti Warren's office:

In an effort to promote what a wonderful city we live and work in, tonight Mayor Warren hosted diplomats from the region to join a reception that served to connect them with local businesses and many local artists and contributors to cultural life.

Diplomats from over 30 nations were in attendance for the event, which was co-sponsored by the City of Newton and Newton Community Pride. The reception featured dozens of local businesses, a variety of local artwork provided by Newton Open Studios, and live music courtesy of the Suzuki School. Several local restaurants provided food and beverages, with City Hall’s War Memorial decorated for the occasion.

“It’s such an honor to be joined by the Consuls General of so many nations here at City Hall,” Mayor Warren said. “Many of them live in Newton or in the Greater Boston area and were interested in learning more about what our city has to offer. I am pleased that we were able to introduce them tonight to so many business and cultural leaders, and help promote the vitality of Newton.”

“I am very appreciative that Mayor Warren took the initiative to host this important event,” Leonard Kopelman,

Newton-Needham Chamber of Commerce President Bob Halpin added "It is a global economy and Newton benefits from great ethnic and cultural diversity and that represents a real strength in terms of the role it plays or should play. We should leverage all the resources available to take advantage of those strengths and improve our own global connections."