1. Xiamen facilitates exchanges with Singapore
Zhang Quan, director general of Xiamen foreign affairs office, met with Nelson Ng Chiun Ming, consul general of Singapore in Xiamen, on June 1 and discussed how to further promote pragmatic cooperation between Xiamen and Singapore.
Zhang updated the consul general about Xiamen's latest economic and social development. He said that Xiamen has balanced epidemic control and economic and social development during the COVID-19 outbreak and has achieved stable growth during the first quarter of this year.
He added that Singapore has been actively participating in Xiamen's reform and opening-up since the special economic zone was established. He hopes that the consulate general will further support Singaporean enterprises to participate in the construction of Xiamen's modern industrial system and optimize the trade and investment structure for both sides.
Ng expressed his hope that the two sides will strengthen cooperation in the digital economy and green development. He promised that the consulate general will continue to promote Xiamen's favorable business environment and encourage more Singaporean enterprises to invest in Xiamen.
2. S Korean consul general in Guangzhou visits Xiamen
Han Jae Heuk, consul general of South Korea in Guangzhou, visited Xiamen in East China's Fujian province from June 6 to 8, and Zhuang Rongliang, vice-mayor of Xiamen, met with the consul general on June 7.
Xiamen and South Korea have maintained tight working links in a variety of industries, according to Zhuang, and the city has maintained sister-city ties with Mokpo since 2007.
Han said that Xiamen has maintained rapid growth since the start of the reform and opening-up and has attracted many South Korean enterprises to invest in the city. He expressed his hope that more South Korean cities will link up with Xiamen as sister cities.
3. Xiamen, Wellington celebrate 35th sister-city relationship anniversary
A celebration marking the 35th anniversary of the sister-city relationship between Xiamen in East China's Fujian province and Wellington, capital of New Zealand, was held both online and offline on June 9.
Xiamen's Mayor Huang Wenhui, Wellington's Mayor Andy Foster, New Zealand's Ambassador to China Clare Fearnley, along with nearly 200 representatives from various government departments, schools, cultural organizations, medical institutions and leading enterprises from both sides attended the event in-person or via live video connections.
Xiamen and Wellington have had beneficial government talks and economic, cultural, art, educational, medical, film, and sports partnerships for the past 35 years, Huang said during the occasion.
He went on to say that the two cities' cooperation during the COVID-19 outbreak exemplified their honest and sincere friendships.
Foster said that Xiamen is one of the first international sister cities of Wellington. The two sides have worked together to overcome difficulties brought about by the pandemic and carried out a series of online exchanges to promote cooperation.
Both mayors expressed that they are looking forward to a deepened friendship and a higher-level partnership to create more mutual benefits.
Lin Songtian, president of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, and Wang Xiaolong, Chinese ambassador to New Zealand, also addressed the ceremony through videos.
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.
