Weifang deepens global ties with diplomats, sister-city mayors' tour

Weifang, the renowned "Kite Capital of the World", hosted its 10th consecutive Diplomats and Sister-City Mayors' Tour in April. The signature foreign affairs event served as a key platform for deepening global cooperation and cultural exchange.

The event welcomed 54 distinguished guests, including Hussam Al Husseini, Jordan's ambassador to China; Tran Tuyet Minh, vice chairman of People's Committee of Binh Phuoc Province, Vietnam; and Satoshi Nishimura, mayor of Hyuga City, Japan. 

International diplomats and sister cities' mayors tour a modern agriculture park in Weifang. [Photo/WeChat account: sdwsbwx]

Delegates toured local industrial parks to discuss trade and investment opportunities, attended evening galas featuring local arts, and experienced the city's cultural vitality at the Weifang International Kite Festival. At the festival's opening, Cuban and Thai delegations joined special kite-flying ceremonies marking the 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Cuba and the 50th anniversary of relations between Thailand and China. Against the spring sky, the soaring kites became vivid symbols of friendship across borders.

Delegates from Cuba and Weifang celebrate the 65th anniversary of Cuba-China diplomatic ties at the Weifang International Kite Festival. [Photo/WeChat account: sdwsbwx]

The city's hospitality left a lasting impression on the international guests. A letter from the Binh Phuoc delegation expressed their sentiments: "From the moment we arrived in Weifang, it felt like coming home. We look forward to welcoming you soon in Binh Phuoc."

Now anchored as one of Weifang's premier platforms for international exchange, the annual tour continues to serve as a bridge between China and the world. Looking ahead, Weifang will build on its strengths to expand global partnerships and foster deeper international cooperation, using its iconic kites to carry messages of friendship across the globe.