Celebration of 20 years of friendship with Sister City Zhanjiang

Council has welcomed a delegation from Zhanjiang as part of a three-day visit to mark 20 years of a Sister Cities relationship with Cairns.

A Sister Cities agreement was established between Cairns and Zhanjiang in August 2004, with a focus on exchanges in education, technical engineering, arts and culture to promote common prosperity and development.

The visiting delegation includes representatives from the Zhanjiang Overseas Friendship Association, Foreign Affairs Bureau, and Investment Promotion Bureau.

During yesterday's Mayoral Ceremonial Welcome at Council, there was a traditional exchange of gifts and presentations highlighting the strong cultural exchanges shared by the two cities.

While in Cairns, the delegation will tour Mulgrave Gallery and Botanical Gardens Visitor Centre, meet with representatives from Tourism Tropical North Queensland, Trade and Investment Queensland, and James Cook University, visit aquaculture sites and engage with exporters, and take part in activities organised by the Cairns and District Chinese Association.

In welcoming the delegation yesterday, Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said it was a celebration not only of the deep friendship and mutual respect that have flourished over 20 years, but also the shared achievements that have strengthened the bond between our two cities.

“The sister city relationship between Cairns and Zhanjiang was established with a vision to foster cooperation, cultural exchange, and shared prosperity,” she said.

“Two decades on, this partnership delivered significant economic, social, and cultural benefits to both our communities.”

The Mayoral Ceremonial Welcome included a traditional exchange of gifts and lunch.

Cr Eden said that while there been a range of high-level Mayoral meetings between the cities, she was particularly proud of the grass roots connections.

“In 2014, two students from Zhanjiang visited Cairns as part of the Youth Ambassadors Program,” she said.

“In 2016, we enjoyed a soccer and culture exchange between Wuchuan No.2 Middle School and Trinity Anglican School.

“The opening of the Zhanjiang Friendship Garden at Freshwater Lakes in the Cairns Botanic Garden precinct in 2015 is also a beautiful, long-lasting reminder of our partnership.

“These exchanges have enhanced local industries, supported innovation, and created jobs, contributing to the prosperity of both cities.”

As part of the 20th anniversary celebrations, the two cities participated in an exchanged artworks by local artists.

Works from Cairns, including 20 watercolour sketches by Cairns Urban Sketchers, nature photographs by the Cairns Photographic Society, and Indigenous artworks crafted by Yidinji and Yirrganydji artists, wee exhibited in Zhanjiang.

In return, Zhanjiang enriched the Cairns community with their Zodiac Exhibit at Tanks Arts Centre during the Chinese New Year celebrations.