Guangzhou delegation visits Bristol as cities mark 25 years of twinning
A top-level delegation from Guangzhou visited Bristol as part of celebrations to mark 25 years since the two cities were twinned.
The five-strong group from Guangzhou’s municipal government spent three days in London before travelling to Bristol to meet members of the city’s business, political and academic community.
Also present was Peter Insole, principal historic environment officer and urban design team manager at Bristol City Council, who is best known for creating the award-winning Know Your Place digital mapping resource, which allows users to explore Bristol’s history.
The visit – organised by Bristol & West of England China Bureau - took in visits to the Clifton Suspension Bridge, Ashton Court, Wong’s Restaurant and the Guangzhou Garden at the University of Bristol’s Botanic Garden.
Wen Yanji, Deputy Secretary-General of Guangzhou Municipal Government, proposed increased cooperation with Bristol in three key areas: economic and trade activity, education and urban governance.
“This year marks the 25th anniversary of the sister-city relationship between Guangzhou and Bristol. Over the past quarter of a century, our two cities have advanced hand in hand, witnessed each other’s development and forged a deep and enduring friendship,” he said.
“From trade and business to people-to-people exchanges, from educational cooperation to urban governance, our collaboration has delivered fruitful results and stands as a fine example of local cooperation between China and the UK.”
Councillor Yassin Mohamud, Lord Mayor of Bristol, said: “As we mark this anniversary year, we do so with pride in what we have achieved together, and with confidence in what the future holds.
“Bristol values its friendship with Guangzhou deeply, and we look forward to continuing this partnership for many years to come.”
Dianne Francombe OBE, chief executive of Bristol & West of England China Bureau, added: “We look forward to the next 25 years of engagement with Guangzhou and our partners in the Greater Bay area.”