Li Xiaoping, director of the Xiamen Foreign and Overseas Chinese Affairs Office, talked about Xiamen's plans to improve relations with friendship cities in an exclusive interview with the city's television station on Nov 14.
The interview took place three days after the city received an award at the China International Friendship Cities Conference, a biennial event incepted in 2008 and held in Chongqing Municipality this year, for the earnest work it's done in exchange and cooperation with international friendship cities.
Wellington, capital of New Zealand and one of Xiamen's 18 friendship cities also won an award at the conference for its friendly cooperation with Chinese cities.
Li first took a look back at the fruitful cooperation by Xiamen and Wellington over the 29 years since their friendship was established.
He then went on to explain the principles and basic strategies the city adheres to in forging friendships with foreign municipalities. He also described the benefits brought by tapping the resources of its friendship cities, including raising the international profile of Xiamen, which is a regional business hub, a resort destination and an international port.
Xiamen is intending to establish ties with Phuket in Thailand and Izmir in Turkey next year, according to Li. And more cities in Russia, Brazil, India and South Africa are expected to be added to Xiamen's list as the southeast China coastal city optimizes its friendships across the world.
Li Xiaoping, director of the Xiamen Foreign and Overseas Chinese Affairs Office, outlines the office's further work plans to the Xiamen TV station on Nov 14. [Photo provided to xmfo.gov.cn]
China announced and implemented on May 15 a policy allowing visa-free entry of foreign tourist groups aboard cruise ships via all cruise ship ports along the country's coastline.
China and Georgia are set to waive visa requirements for travelers starting May 28.
