eThekwini Municipality and Xiamen: A partnership for cultural and economic growth
Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/ Independent Newspapers
The relationship between the eThekwini Municipality and the City of Xiamen in China continues to flourish. This was after both cities unveiled the Chinese Cultural Exhibition at the Durban City Hall on Monday.
The Chinese delegation also donated 250 books, which will be distributed across eThekwini libraries.
This was during the opening ceremony of the Chinese Cultural Tour in Africa and Xiamen-Durban Friendship Photo Exhibition.
The relationship between the two cities was formally announced in 2023.
eThekwini Municipality Deputy Mayor Zandile Myeni said the exhibition and donation were a welcome gesture, demonstrating the possibilities in the partnership.
'For us, this exhibition is a key part in promoting better understanding between the two nations – boosting people-to-people diplomacy which enhances interaction between South Africans and the Chinese people,' Myeni said.
'Beyond diplomacy between our governments, we must strengthen collaborative efforts on the ground so that we create an enabling environment for ordinary citizens to benefit from the strong ties we are building.'
The eThekwini Municipality and Xiamen, China are strengthening their relationship through a cultural exhibition and a donation of books.
Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/ Independent Newspapers
Myeni said they are committed to boosting collaboration in arts, cultural exchange, trade, investment in green energy, tourism, education, and environmental sustainability.
'As we look to the future, let us remember that the strength of our partnership lies not only in agreements signed on paper, but in the mutually beneficial friendship we forge and the mutual respect we cultivate. Therefore, we look forward to learning best practices which have seen Xiamen become a key economic hub of China,' Myeni said.
'As coastal cities, the ports of Durban and Xiamen contribute significantly to the economic growth of our two nations, and we believe there is room to deepen our collaboration in this area.'
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Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Durban Li Zhigong.
Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/ Independent Newspapers
Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Durban Li Zhigong said their bond is rooted deep in their shared value of mutual respect and mutual learning among cultures. This bond is also forged through efforts between their governments and people, he said.
He said that for the past two years, he witnessed progress and results of such exchange and cooperation in various fields, and on Monday they celebrated yet another exciting new phase of collaboration in the film industry.
'Today's (Monday) friendship-city photo exhibition is a testimony of that bond. It brings our two cities' landscape, culture, development and friendship into vivid focus,' Li said.
Shangguan Jun, the Director of the Information Office of Xiamen Municipal People's Government and Director-General of Xiamen Film .
Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/ Independent Newspapers
Shangguan Jun, the Director of the Information Office of Xiamen Municipal People's Government and Director-General of Xiamen Film, said when they arrived on Sunday, they found that the two cities were similar, therefore, it was natural that they became sister cities, as they are alike.
Shangguan said they look forward to seeing more fruitful results between Xiamen and Durban, especially in the fields of the film and television industry.
Monday's event was an opportunity to further explore cooperation channels between the two cities in fields such as culture and tourism.
Xiamen in China was recently added to a directional sign outside the Durban City Hall.
Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/ Independent Newspapers
'Embarking on a new journey of the golden era of China and South Africa relations, we will work hand-in-hand to foster more model projects, bring benefits to the industries of the two cities… which will further help promote our bilateral relations to a new high,' Shangguan said.
'We wish the friendship between Xiamen and Durban to last forever.'
Following the cutting of the ribbon, handing over of the books and exchanging gifts, the eThekwini Municipality and Chinese delegation walked to a directional sign to unveil Xiamen, a new addition.
thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za
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