1. Xiamen ensures safety, health of China-Philippines talks
Chinese and Philippine officials hold talks between CPC and PDP-Laban in Xiamen, Fujian province on Sept 20. [Photo/WeChat account: XIAMENFAO]
Aquilino Pimentel III, president of the Philippine Democratic Party-Power of the Nation (PDP-Laban) visited Xiamen in East China's Fujian province with other delegates, at the invitation of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee from Sept 19 to 20.
Song Tao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, held talks between CPC and PDP-Laban with Pimentel in the coastal city.
Pimentel was the first major leader of a foreign ruling party to be invited to visit China since the CPC resumed its offline diplomacy.
Officials said choosing Xiamen as the venue reflected the central government's confidence in the city's ability to ensure safety and health for diplomatic activities during the COVID-19 outbreak.
They added that the city's foreign affairs office rolled out efforts to ensure the success of the meeting, which won the approval of the delegates from both countries.
2. Xiamen joins China-Germany celebrations for National Day
Chinese and German officials discuss regional cooperation online on Sept 22. [Photo/WeChat account: XIAMENFAO]
The Chinese consulate general in Hamburg, Germany hosted an online reception to celebrate the 71st anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on Sept 22.
Officials from 21 provinces, states, and cities, including Yao Jianhong, deputy director of the foreign affairs office of Xiamen, East China's Fujian province, attended the reception and an online discussion on regional cooperation between China and northern Germany.
Attendees said that China and Germany have engaged in close cooperation throughout the COVID-19 outbreak and suggested that both countries should continue to honor their partnership in the post-pandemic era.
3. Xiamen, Thailand seek port cooperation
A delegation from the consulate general of Thailand in Xiamen visits the Xiamen International Cruise Terminal on Sept 24. [Photo/WeChat account: XIAMENFAO]
Pirawat Atsavapranee, consul-general of Thailand in Xiamen, visited the city’s port administration on Sept 24 to discuss cooperation between Xiamen Port and Laem Chabang Port.
Xiamen Port is the 14th largest container port in the world and has established friendly-port relations with 15 ports around the world, while Laem Chabang Port is the largest port in Thailand and 21st largest in the world.
Wu Shunbin, director of the administration, said that among the 152 routes offered by Xiamen Port, 13 currently pass through Laem Chabang Port. He expressed hope that the two ports could strengthen their partnership.
Wu also invited Laem Chabang Port to take part in the 2021 Silk Road Maritime International Cooperation Forum in Xiamen.
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.
