News Share (March 1-15)

1. XMFAO officials commemorate 50th anniversary of Shanghai Communique

On Feb 28, a celebration was held in Shanghai's Jin Jiang Hotel to mark the 50th anniversary of the Shanghai Communique, which was issued on Feb 28, 1972, during then-US President Richard Nixon's visit to China.

Through an online video connection, Zhang Quan, director general of Xiamen foreign affairs office, as well as other officials from the office, participated in the ceremony.

The Shanghai Communique was the first communique between the United States and China that initiated the normalization of their relations.

In the communique, the two sides agreed that "countries, regardless of their social systems, should conduct their relations on the principles of respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, non-aggression against other states, non-interference in the internal affairs of other states, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence".

2. Xiamen to strengthen ties with Philippines

Zhang Quan, director general of Xiamen foreign affairs office, met with Maria Antonina Mendoza Oblena, consul general of the Philippines in Xiamen, on March 1.

Zhang congratulated the consul general's inauguration and briefed her on Xiamen's latest economic and social development.

According to Zhang, Xiamen and the Philippines have maintained a close relationship for a long time and the Philippine city of Cebu is one of Xiamen's first international sister cities and the two sides have achieved fruitful results in communication.

Oblena thanked the foreign affairs office for its constant support to the consulate general. She said that the consulate general will make more efforts to promote exchanges and cooperation between Xiamen and her country in economy, trade, culture, tourism and art.

3. Xiamen holds video conference with Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire

On March 2, a video conference was held between Xiamen and Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, to explore bilateral cooperation in shipping, trade, and investment, as well as the establishment of friendly relations.

Zhang Quan, director general of Xiamen foreign affairs office, spoke at the conference about the city's achievements in opening-up and high-quality growth over the past four decades, saying that there is plenty of room for cooperation between the two sides.

The conference was highly valued by the Abidjan administration, which sent Dosso Adama, Cote d'Ivoire's ambassador to China, as well as senior government officials and heads of local port agencies.

During the meeting, the two parties agreed to sign letters of intent for the establishment of friendly relations.

4. Xiamen, Thailand discuss deepening cooperation

Zhang Quan, director general of Xiamen foreign affairs office, met with Pirawat Atsavapranee, consul general of Thailand in Xiamen on March 9.

Zhang highlighted the efforts that the consulate general has made since its establishment to facilitate Xiamen's friendly exchanges with Thailand.

He said that Xiamen is working to promote higher-level opening-up and become a modern international city. He expressed his hope that the two sides can grasp the opportunities brought about by the RCEP to deepen cooperation in trade and investment, ports and logistics, as well as tourism and culture.

Atsavapranee described the consulate general's work strategy for 2022 and stated that it will continue to act as a bridge to improve bilateral communication on certain topics such as the green economy, smart cities, and other areas.

The two sides also discussed plans for the fifth anniversary of the sister-city relationship between Xiamen and Phuket, as well as Thai enterprises' participation in the China International Fair for Investment and Trade, which is hosted annually in Xiamen.