Before the official establishment of the sister city ties, Xiamen and Izmir had conducted various exchanges. On Sept 8, 2014, Aziz Kocaoglu, mayor of Izmir in Turkey said that "Izmir will expand cooperation with Xiamen" in an exclusive interview with China Daily during his visit to the 18th China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT) held in Xiamen, Fujian province.
A letter of intent between Izmir and Xiamen to build a sister-relationship for further cooperation was signed during the 18th CIFIT.
Aziz Kocaoglu, mayor of Izmir, Turkey, sits down for an interview with China Daily in Xiamen, Fujian province, Sept 8, 2014. [Photo by Lin Ting for China Daily]
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.
