Zhuang Jiahan, mayor of Xiamen, and Wellington Mayor Justin Lester hold talks in Xiamen, Fujian province. [Photo/xmfo.gov.cn]
A delegation from New Zealand led by Wellington Mayor Justin Lester paid a visit to Xiamen from Nov 9-11 to attend activities marking the 30th anniversary of the establishment of their sister-city ties.
Zhuang Jiahan, mayor of Xiamen, extended a warm welcome to the delegation made up of 20 people. He briefed his counterpart on Xiamen's city planning, industrial development, environmental protection and business environment policies that aim to improve people's livelihood. Zhuang also expressed his wishes for more frequent exchanges between the two cities.
Justin spoke highly of the livability and beautiful sceneries in Xiamen. He said Wellington and Xiamen share many similarities and agreed on closer exchanges between the two cities. The Wellington mayor also invited Zhuang to attend the Second China-New Zealand Mayor Forum to be held in December in Wellington.
Before the meeting, the two mayors attended a celebration marking the 30th anniversary of the establishment of sister-city ties, organized by Xiamen Foreign and Overseas Affairs Office and Wellington City Council.
The celebration consisted of a video appreciation session featuring old photos, an art show staged by a local folk dance troupe and a wine tasting activity. The celebration attracted more than 100 guests who have made contributions to the development of the sister-city ties.
The delegation also paid a visit to Xiamen University and Xiamen University of Technology, during which they looked back on the achievements they have made in strengthening cooperation and exchanges in education within Xiamen.
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.
