Close ties: An online ceremony is held to mark the sister city relationship between Hohhot and Okazaki. [Photo/Hohhot Daily] 

The commemoration of the 35th anniversary of sister-city relations between Hohhot in North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region and Okazaki in Japan was held online on Dec 19, according to local media reports. 

The two signed a memorandum of understanding to further strengthen their relations on the day. 

As it happens, this year marks the 50th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between China and Japan, as well as the Hohhot and Okazaki 35th anniversary. 

Over the years, the two cities continued to deepen their cooperation in trade and commerce, culture, science and technology, and in the process they have forged a deep and abiding friendship.