Shandong’s sister-city relations prove fruitful

A classic Peking Opera was held in Montevideo on Sept 26 in celebration of the 15th anniversary of the establishment of a partnership between the Uruguayan capital and Qingdao in East China's Shandong province.

This year marks the 40th year since Shandong began promoting sister-city relations around the world. Over the past four decades, Shandong has forged ties with 222 local governments in 61 countries, ranking second in China in terms of number of sister cities.

A variety of activities involving culture, sports, education, and tourism have been held between the province and its international partners to promote cooperation.

In 1986, Shandong held the first cultural relic exhibition in Yamaguchi Prefecture of Japan, its first provincial-level partner. A total of 150,000 Japanese citizens took part.

"Cultural exchanges can help enhance Shandong's international profile and promote its opening-up in a modest way," said Sun Yebao, deputy director of the provincial foreign affairs office.

According to Sun, the province has organized a wide range of cultural events around the world, including a Shandong-themed cultural festival in Australia, a portrait-rubbing exhibition in Romania, a New Year photo exhibition in Poland, and a Confucius festival in Austria.

Shandong has also established partnerships with 1,167 educational, medical, and other institutes in 75 countries. A number of international governmental and trade organizations have also been set up in the province to facilitate stronger communications.

Traditional Chinese music and dance performances are held at a ceremony in Munich, Germany on Nov 20, 2017 to mark the 30th anniversary of the partnership between Shandong province and Bavaria State. [Photo/dzng.com]