Sichuan Province and Washington State celebrated four decades of partnership with a virtual event showcasing cultural performances, youth exchanges, and plans to deepen cooperation in clean energy and sustainability. The Nov. 21 celebration highlighted economic and cultural ties forged since signing the first provincial-level friendship agreement between a Chinese region and U.S. state in 1982.
Executive Vice Governor of Sichuan Li Yunze emphasized thriving collaboration in tech innovation, trade, and environmental initiatives, stating: \"Businesses from Washington will always find opportunities in Sichuan.\" Chinese Consul General in San Francisco Zhang Jianmin called local partnerships \"the foundation of strong U.S.-China relations.\"
Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs proposed expanding educational exchanges to \"cultivate understanding through shared experiences.\" The event featured a panda conservation documentary and musical collaborations between students from both regions.
Key future initiatives include:
- Joint clean energy projects
- Sustainable tourism promotion
- University partnerships for student exchanges
- Cultural co-productions celebrating regional heritage
Reference(s):
Online Celebration for 40 years of Friendship between WA and Sichuan
cgtn.com
