Jiangyou and Valkenburg cement cultural and tourism ties

Two historic cities linked through the China-inspired Belt and Road initiative have come together to celebrate their cultural ties and encourage touristic initiatives.

As the start and end point of the initiative respectively, Jiangyou and Valkenburg aan de Geul, are seeking closer cooperation, especially with the help of Yu'Xin'Ou (Chongqing-Xinjiang-Europe ) Railway, a freight rail route linking southwestern China with Germany.

All the attendees have a group photo taken to mark the conference. [Photo: cri.cn]

Jiangyou is a famous historic and cultural city in Sichuan province. Valkenburg is an important city in the Dutch province of Limburg, with important trade links with Belgium and Germany. Both cities recognize the potential for cooperation and joint tourism projects.

Photo shows the scenery of Jiangyou. [Photo: dfic.cn]

In March 2014, China's President Xi Jinping made a state visit to the Netherlands, which was his first stop in a European tour. In February 2017, the two cities signed a memorandum of friendly relations and cooperation, which laid the groundwork for their further cooperation.

Photo shows the scenery of Valkenburg aan de Geul. [Photo: quanjing.com]

August 7 saw the signing ceremony for the Jiangyou - Valkenburg aan de Geul tourism promotion. The event was held in Jiangyou, Mianyang, and was attended by the top municipal officials of Valkenburg and Jiangyou.

Business cooperation agreements and department cooperation agreements were signed at the conference.

China's Belt and Road initiative brings together some 60 countries across Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Europe in trade, development and cultural co-operation.