27-06-2025
Kuching and Rouen, France explore gastronomy friendship city initiative
Wee (left) and Mayer-Rossignol exchange greetings during the meeting.
KUCHING (June 27): Kuching and Rouen, the capital of the northern French region of Normandy, are exploring the potential to establish a Kuching–Rouen Gastronomy Friendship City partnership for mutual benefit.
This interest was expressed by Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng and Rouen Mayor Nicolas Mayer-Rossignol, who is also President of the Rouen Normandie Metropolitan Area, when the former paid a courtesy call on the latter during his participation in the XVII UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) Annual Conference held in Enghien-les-Bains, France, a statement read today.
The proposed Kuching–Rouen Gastronomy Friendship City initiative is aimed at deepening collaboration between the two cities through joint programmes that connect gastronomy, cultural heritage and digital innovation.
Both Kuching and Rouen were designated UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy in 2021, positioning them as unique partners in promoting sustainable urban development through food culture.
During their meeting, the two mayors exchanged ideas and best practices on integrating gastronomy with cultural, heritage, and community-driven initiatives.
The discussion also touched on the impact of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), on the culinary and cultural sectors.
Both Wee and Mayer-Rossignol recognised AI as a valuable tool that, when used responsibly, could enhance creativity, preserve food heritage and support innovation in gastronomy-related policies and practices. Friendship City gastronomy city Rouen wee hong seng
