Representatives of the Xiamen foreign affairs office attend a China-India online tea party by video on May 21. [Photo/WeChat account: XIAMENFAO]
The foreign affairs office of Xiamen, Fujian province took part in an online tea party hosted by the Chinese Consulate General in Kolkata and the Confederation of Young Leaders of India on May 21 to celebrate the first International Tea Day and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and India.
Participants also included officials from the Yunnan, Henan, and Fujian provincial governments, as well as representatives from the Indian Tea Association, the country's industrial and trade association, the Rakshak Foundation, and the Parichay Foundation.
According to Zha Liyou, China's consul general in Kolkata, the activity was meant to strengthen relations between the two countries and explore new cultural exchange possibilities.
Zha said that China and India started cooperating in culture, philosophy and religion a long time ago. He said that the countries have a lot in common and there is ample room for further cooperation.
During the video meeting, Chen Hongying, an official of the Xiamen foreign affairs office, briefed attendees on Xiamen's ties with India.
She said the city will make full use of its advantageous location as a strategic fulcrum along the Maritime Silk Road to promote cooperation with India in trade, film and television, and sports.
Chen, on behalf of Xiamen, encouraged people from India to visit Xiamen after the novel coronavirus outbreak ends.
China now enjoys comprehensive mutual visa exemption with 23 countries after reaching an agreement on mutual visa exemption with Thailand on Jan 28.
China and Thailand signed an agreement on mutual visa exemption for holders of ordinary passports and passports for public affairs on Jan 28.
