The city of Danzhou in Hainan province signed a letter of intent on Dec 20 to build sister cities relations with Marathon of Greece, which is widely known for the battle of Marathon in 490 BC and as the birthplace of marathon sports.
The letter of intent was signed at a communication session by Marathon Mayor Sergios Tsirkas and Danzhou Mayor Zhu Hongwu.
Danzhou boasts rich cultural heritages and its climate is similar to that of Marathon. The people are also open and friendly, according to Tsirkas.
He expressed his hope that Danzhou counterpart could lead a delegation to Marathon and that the two cities could enhance mutual understanding, strengthen friendly exchanges, as well as promote substantive cooperation in the areas of economy, trade, culture, education, and tourism.
Zhu Hongwu (R), mayor of Danzhou, shakes hands with Marathon Mayor Sergios Tsirkas after signing the letter of intent to building sister cities relations on Dec 20. [Photo by He Wenxin/danzhou.gov.cn]
Danzhou has held the Danzhou International Marathon for 10 consecutive years, said Zhu, adding that the event organizing committee paid a visit to Marathon in November to collect the holy flame, which laid a solid foundation for boosting Danzhou-Marathon communications.
The Danzhou mayor expressed hope that the two cities can strengthen understanding and friendship after signing the agreement, as well as further enhance ties, carry out multi-disciplinary cooperation, and build more cooperation platforms.
According to the letter of intent, the two sides are to carry out exchanges and cooperation in the fields of tourism, culture, sports, medical treatment, education, and agriculture.
Marathon Mayor Sergios Tsirkas (C) gives a souvenir to Zhu (R). [Photo by He Wenxin/danzhou.gov.cn]
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