Students from Dueren learn calligraphy with Jinhua students. [Photo/Jinhua Media Group]

A delegation from Dueren, Germany, led by Mayor Frank Peter Ullrich, visited Jinhua in East China's Zhejiang province from March 27 to 30. In addition to discussing advanced manufacturing, trade logistics, and ecological development, young participants from the delegation partnered with local families to play soccer, enjoy local cuisine, and learn about each other's cultures.

Since the establishment of friendly relations between Jinhua and Dueren in 2002, the two cities have carried out exchanges and cooperation in many areas, with over 50 mutual visits, more than 10 medical personnel exchanges, nearly 100 youth interactions, and over 10 enterprises' cooperation. The Jinhua pavilion, a symbol of the two cities' friendship, was presented to Dueren in September 2011 and has since become a popular landmark.

During the delegation's visit, a camellia tree was planted by the two sides in Jinhua International Friendship Park. Chen Yan, director of Jinhua's foreign affairs office, said, "The camellia is Jinhua's city flower. We have named the tree 'Lion Smile,' mirroring the lion on Dueren's emblem, and its 25-year age reflects our 25-year bond."

Ullrich also extended an invitation for Jinhua's representatives to join the 2027 celebrations marking the 25th anniversary of this enduring friendship.