1. Xiamen facilitates diplomatic affairs cooperation with neighboring cities
Directors of foreign affairs offices in Xiamen, Zhangzhou, Quanzhou, Sanming and Longyan discuss diplomatic affairs at a meeting in Xiamen on Dec 16. [Photo/WeChat account: XIAMENFAO]
A coordinated meeting of diplomatic affairs in the southern and western areas of Fujian province was held in Xiamen on Dec 16, with directors of foreign affairs offices in Xiamen, Zhangzhou, Quanzhou, Sanming and Longyan in attendance.
Li Xiaoping, director of Xiamen foreign affairs office, shared the office's experience in reassuring local expats, preventing imported cases of COVID-19, offering international assistance, helping with the resumption of work, and promoting international exchange amid the pandemic.
Li also noted that Xiamen is willing to share its international resources with neighboring cities to help enhance the level of international communication in the region.
2. UK seeks cooperation with Xiamen
British Ambassador to China Caroline Wilson (R) learns to write the Chinese character "fu", which means happiness, during her visit to Xiamen. [Photo/fao.xm.gov.cn]
A delegation from the United Kingdom headed by British Ambassador to China Caroline Wilson and British Consul-general in Guangzhou Jo Hawley visited Xiamen in East China's Fujian province from Dec 21 to 22.
This was the first time a British ambassador to China has visited Xiamen in the last 15 years. Wilson stated that the visit provided a great opportunity for both sides to learn more about each other and deepen longer-term cooperation.
During the trip, the delegation visited Xiamen University and talked to scholars about how to solve global challenges through China-UK sci-tech cooperation.
Wilson also said that the embassy will work to facilitate exchange between British universities and Xiamen University.
3. Uruguay ambassador to China visits Xiamen
Lin Jian, vice-mayor of Xiamen, talks with Fernando Lugris, Uruguay ambassador to China, in Xiamen on Dec 24. [Photo/WeChat account: XIAMENFAO]
Lin Jian, vice-mayor of Xiamen, met with Fernando Lugris, Uruguay ambassador to China, in the coastal city of East China's Fujian province on Dec 24.
During the meeting, Lin briefed the ambassador on Xiamen's economic and social development and shared how the city has maintained a stable growth amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lin said that Xiamen, as one of the first special economic zones in China, has become a popular destination for foreign investors and an important window for international exchange in China. The city is also expecting to welcome more Uruguayan companies and high-quality products.
Lugris echoed Lin's sentiments, saying that his country and Xiamen can complement each other in many fields and that there is ample room to deepen bilateral cooperation in commerce, culture, education and tourism.
The ambassador also conveyed the desire of Salto city to establish sister-city ties with 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.
