On October 11, Yin Yong, Mayor of Beijing, met with Henriette Reker, Mayor of Cologne, Germany.

Yin mentioned that, under the guidance of the China-Germany comprehensive strategic partnership, Beijing and Cologne have become sister cities and achieved fruitful cooperation results in fields such as economy and trade, urban governance, and culture. These collaborations have brought tangible benefits to the people of the two cities and set an example in sub-national exchanges between the two countries. Given the two cities’ closely aligned development goals and visions, there are promising prospects for mutually beneficial cooperation between Beijing and Cologne. Going forward, Beijing will work with Cologne to implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state. This will involve promoting exchanges and mutual learning in urban planning, development, and management, deepening economic and technological cooperation, and encouraging exchanges in culture, tourism, and education. Such endeavors will enable the sister-city relationship to bear more fruit and contribute more to the growing China-Germany relationship.

Reker spoke highly of Beijing's urban planning and management and the construction of the Beijing Municipal Administrative Center (BMC). She emphasized the deep friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation across diverse fields between Cologne and Beijing, adding that the two cities will cement the sister-city relationship in the future for the benefit of the people of both cities.

Andree Haack, Deputy Mayor of Cologne, and Mu Peng, Secretary General of the People's Government of Beijing Municipality, attended the meeting.

(Written by Yang Qi)