Qingdao, Shandong establishes a sister-city relationship with Shimonoseki, Japan in 1979. [Photo/WeChat account: japanqd]

Senior officials from Qingdao, Shandong and Shimonoseki, Japan expected to develop deeper relations after a series of events held in Qingdao on July 21 to mark the 45th anniversary of their sister-city relationship.

Zhao Haozhi, mayor of Qingdao, stated that Shimonoseki was the first city to establish sister-city ties with Qingdao. Over the past 45 years, the two cities have had frequent interactions and have carried out exchanges and cooperation in fields such as economy, trade, education, culture, and healthcare, yielding fruitful results and fostering a deep friendship.

Zhao added that in the future, the two cities will further enhance economic and trade connectivity, actively cooperate in scientific and technological innovation, and expand exchanges in areas such as festivals, exhibitions, cultural tourism, education, and sports.

Shintaro Maeda, mayor of Shimonoseki, said that over the past 45 years, Qingdao and Shimonoseki have engaged in extensive exchanges and cooperation in economy and trade, cultural tourism, education, and sports, achieving tangible results. He expressed hope that the two cities will take the 45th anniversary of their friendly relations as an opportunity to bring their cooperation to the next level.

During the event, the two cities signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation, reinforcing efforts to foster communication and collaboration.