Chinese and New Zealand artists came together for a special concert in Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, on May 8 to mark the 20th anniversary of sister-city relations between Beijing and Wellington.

Artists from the China Conservatory of Music performed traditional Chinese folk music at the concert held in Wellington, New Zealand, on May 8. (Photo by Meng Tao from Xinhua News Agency)

The concert, themed “Conversation and Connection, Elegant Melodies on Strings”, opened with traditional music and dance performances by Maori performers. Artists from the China Conservatory of Music presented traditional Chinese folk music pieces, including A Moonlit Night on the Spring River, Ambush from All Sides and Jasmine Flower, winning warm applause from the audience.

Performers staged a haka performance at the concert held in Wellington, New Zealand, on May 8. (Photo by Meng Tao from Xinhua News Agency)

Ben McNulty, Deputy Mayor of Wellington, noted in his address that beyond culture and education, the Wellington-Beijing partnership has also promoted trade, tourism and business cooperation between the two cities.

Wang Xiaolong, Chinese Ambassador to New Zealand, said in his speech that the concert was a heart-to-heart conversation aimed at building deeper and more enduring bonds. He added that China looks forward to working with New Zealand to deepen mutual understanding and friendship.

Beijing and Wellington twined officially in May 2006. Since then, the two cities have enjoyed substantive exchanges and collaboration in economy and trade, culture, tourism, education, sports and other fields. Going forward, the two cities will continue strengthening economic and trade cooperation and deepening people-to-people and cultural exchanges, thus fostering more practical outcomes in sister-city exchanges.