The Second China-New Zealand Mayoral Forum is held in Wellington, capital of New Zealand from Dec 3 to 4. [Photo/lgnz.co.nz]
A delegation led by Zhuang Jiahan, mayor of Xiamen, paid a visit to Wellington, capital of New Zealand, to attend the Second China-New Zealand Mayoral Forum from Dec 3 to 4.
Under the theme of "Sustainable Economies - Balancing Economic Development with the Environment", this year's forum gathered 12 mayors from China and 15 mayors from New Zealand.
Zhuang delivered a speech at the opening ceremony and another at the forum's "Tourism Cooperation and Innovation" seminar. He pledged that Xiamen will continue to share development opportunities and strengthen pragmatic cooperation with other cities to contribute to the China-New Zealand comprehensive strategic partnership.
This mechanism, launched on Nov 21, 2014, provides a platform for peer-to-peer exchanges for China and New Zealand mayors to discuss issues of mutual interest and to strengthen practical cooperation and enhance friendship. The first forum held in Xiamen, China in 2015 produced tangible outcomes for mayors from both countries.
This year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and New Zealand, and the 30th anniversary of the establishment of sister city ties between Xiamen and Wellington.
China has extended its 240-hour visa-free transit policy and Hainan's 30-day visa-free entry policy to citizens of Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam, the National Immigration Administration said on Aug 20.
