An online conference hosted by the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Jinan Municipal Committee was held in Jinan, Shandong province on Oct 19 as part of the city's efforts to deepen exchanges with its sister cities.

Representatives from Jinan's sister cities and friendly cooperation cities of countries including the UK, Japan, South Korea, Russia and Finland, as well as participants from international friendship associations, organizations and media outlets took part in the event via online video links to explore higher level cooperation opportunities or share their wisdom with Jinan.

Here are some excerpts from the speeches made by the guests.

Shibamoto Kazuki, president of Wakayama City Council Japan China Friendship Association

Since Wakayama and Jinan established sister city relations in 1983, the two cities have made extensive exchanges in education, sports, and other aspects. To deepen the partnership between the two sides, the Wakayama City Council Japan China Friendship Association signed a friendly exchange memorandum with the Jinan People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.

Yukteshwar Kumar, deputy mayor of Bath, UK

We will strengthen friendly relations between Jinan and Bath in all aspects and increase the influence and reputation of our two cities in the world. We can organize cultural, educational, and economic and trade activities between the two sides to promote mutual exchanges. More discussions will be carried out to benefit people in the two cities.

Israel Ashkenazi, an honorary citizen of Jinan and managing director of Aikap Group

I consider Jinan my home, my second hometown. I first learnt about Jinan in 1984, when we began to do business here, which was very successful.

In 2012, I was honored to be awarded the "Jinan Honorary Citizen Certificate," which I am very proud of. I have also brought more high-tech enterprises from Israel to China. We hope for more and more economic exchanges between the two cities and more and more trade between the two countries.

Wang Hao, deputy editor-in-chief of China Daily

Relying on the rich resources of international sister cities in Jinan, I propose we strengthen exchanges with mainstream media agencies from sister cities and explore the establishment of a sister city alliance. Within the alliance, cities can carry out more cooperation in terms of media promotion, content reporting, and communication to boost the friendship among sister cities.