On October 11th, Mayor Ding Chun received the Japanese delegation of Takatsugi City headed by Mayor Hamada Takeshi.

This year remarks the 30th anniversary of Changzhou and Takatsuki’s sister-city relationship. It is also the first time Mayor Hamada visits Changzhou.

Ding welcomed all members of the mission. He said that China and Japan are geographically and culturally close, with a long history of cultural exchanges. Over the past 30 years, the friendly relations between Changzhou and Takatsuki have been developing continuously with the joint efforts of both sides, especially in the areas of sports and education, medical and health care, economic development and social welfare.

Hamada expressed high evaluation on Changzhou’s economic and social development. He hoped that the two cities will extend further exchanges and cooperation in various fields of trade, culture, education, health care, civil society, etc.

Vice Mayor Fang Guoqiang and secretary-general Hang Yong were present at the meeting.

Before the meeting, the the tree planting ceremony in commemoration of the 30th anniversary of Changzhou and Takatsuki’s sister-city relationship was held in the International Friendship Garden of the Hongmei Park. Ding and Hamada jointly planted a cherry tree as a symbol of the two city’s friendship.