The twinning of Chinese cities with cities of other countries is designed to promote understanding and friendship among people all over the world, said Vice-Premier Qian Qichen.
"To maintain peace and promote development is the high mission of the international community approaching the new century,” the vice premier said at the opening ceremony of the International Friendship Cities Conference, which was attended by 1,520 representatives from more than 330 cities in 47 countries.
Chen Haosu, deputy head of the preparatory committee of the conference, said that it was designed to promote co-operation between medium and small cities and to seek a common platform for development for such cities.
The Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) became a member of the International Union of Local Authorities (IULA) last year.
Max M. Ng'andwe, president of the IULA, said that exchanges between sister-cities promote mutual understanding and lay solid foundations for strengthening friendships.
During the conference, representatives from regional authorities in Finland, the Netherlands and some other countries will take part in the IULA Day together with representatives from the CPAFFC so as to explore possibilities of co-operation between local governments of different countries.
During the conference, more than 30 couples of cities signed agreements on establishing friendship and co-operation relations.
Along with the conference, the 2000 China International Friendship City Exchange Exhibition and Trade Fair opened on September 27 by the CPAFFC and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade in an effort to provide business opportunities for participating cities.
(CIIC)
