Fuzhou city and Fujian province were among China's 10 cities and 10 provinces to win the International Friendship City Award for Outstanding Contribution at the China International Friendship Cities Conference 2024, held in Kunming, Yunnan province, from November 18 to 19.

The prestigious award was presented at the conference to these cities and provinces for their exceptional efforts in fostering global partnerships.

Organized by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), the China International Friendship Cities Association and the Yunnan Provincial People's Government, the event brought together more than 700 representatives from over 40 countries.

The China International Friendship Cities Conference 2024 was held in Kunming, Yunnan province, from November 18 to 19. [Photo/Foreign Affairs Office of the Fuzhou Municipal People's Government]

In recent years, Fuzhou has made significant strides in building international friendship city relationships. The city has established formal partnerships with 23 counterparts in 16 countries spanning five continents. Fuzhou has strengthened its global network, promoted diverse collaboration, and enhanced its status as a modern international hub.

This commitment to international exchange has now earned Fuzhou six major awards from the CPAFFC and the China International Friendship Cities Association since 2010. Fuzhou's partner cities, including Nagasaki and Naha in Japan and Tacoma in the United States, have also been recognized for their collaborative achievements.

Leveraging its unique local resources, Fuzhou has continuously broadened its international "circle of friends" over the years. The city has hosted prominent events like the opening ceremonies of the inaugural ASEAN-China Week and the ASEAN-China Year of People-to-People Exchanges, showcasing its ability to foster meaningful international cooperation. Partnerships with Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore and Malaysia have deepened, enhancing Fuzhou's contributions to the ASEAN-China community with a shared future.

Since 2018, Fuzhou has facilitated numerous diplomatic exchanges, with these efforts strengthening connections with officials and representatives from its global friendship cities.

Fuzhou's role as a bridge between China and the world is exemplified by the enduring story of Kuliang, a suburb of the city. In 1992, Elizabeth Gardner rediscovered her late husband Milton Gardner's cherished childhood home in Kuliang. This moving story inspired others to explore the city, fostering a spirit of cross-cultural exchange.

Participants pose for a photo at the "Bond with Kuliang: 2024 China-U.S. Youth Festival" in Kuliang, Fuzhou. [Photo provided to bondwithkuliang.org.cn]

Building on this legacy, the "Bond with Kuliang: 2024 China-U.S. Youth Festival" was held in June in Fuzhou. The festival followed the "Bond with Kuliang: 2023 China-U.S. People-to-People Friendship Forum" and welcomed participants from sister regions in the U.S., including Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tacoma and Honolulu. The event deepened cooperation and strengthened bonds between the two nations.

Looking ahead, Fuzhou is committed to greater openness and innovation. The city aims to further expand its partnerships and foster meaningful exchanges with its international friendship cities, continuing its tradition of global collaboration and shared prosperity.