Xiamen, a coastal city in East China's Fujian province, and Baltimore, a city in the United States, have strengthened their sister-city relationship through youth exchanges and cultural collaborations.
On July 17, Zhang Quan, director general of the Foreign Affairs Office of Xiamen, met with Cindy Wang, chairwoman of the Baltimore-Xiamen Sister City Committee, to discuss their ongoing collaboration.
Since becoming sister cities in 1985, Xiamen and Baltimore have cooperated in various fields such as commerce and trade, education, healthcare, culture and art, and urban construction. The two cities have been instrumental in assisting each other's development. In recent years, both cities have also expanded their cultural exchanges through online platforms.
During the meeting, Zhang expressed his appreciation for Wang's contributions to the sister-city exchanges. Both parties agreed to expand communication between primary and secondary schools as well as vocational schools, and resume on-site youth visits. They also discussed promoting Baltimore's attendance at the 23rd China International Fair for Investment and Trade in Xiamen.
From March to June, the Foreign Affairs Office of Xiamen Municipal People's Government, in collaboration with the Xiamen Committee of the Communist Youth League and Xiamen Youth and Children's Palace, had the city's young students participate in the China (Fujian)-US Sister City Youth Art Exhibition which was part of the Bond with Kuliang: 2023 China-US People-to-People Friendship Forum. Artworks created by Xiamen students received high praise and were awarded certificates by the Foreign Affairs Office of Fujian Province. Additionally, young students from Xiamen participated in the 2023 US Youth Artists and Writers Competition.
Students receive certificates at the meeting. [Photo/WeChat ID: XIAMENFAO]
During the meeting, Lin Na, vice-president of the Xiamen People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, presented certificates from the organizers of the Bond with Kuliang: 2023 China-US People-to-People Friendship Forum to Baltimore students, acknowledging their participation in the China (Fujian)-US Sister City Youth Art Exhibition.
Wang also presented certificates to the Xiamen People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries from the Mayor of Baltimore, Brandon Scott. These certificates recognized the participation of Xiamen students in the US Youth Artists and Writers Competition.
One of the works in the China (Fujian)-US Sister City Youth Art Exhibition. [Photo/WeChat ID: XIAMENFAO]
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.
