A delegation group from Lugano, Switzerland pays a visit to Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on Nov 16, to celebrate the 11th anniversary of friendly ties between the two cities. [Photo/WeChat account: hzsjyj]

A delegation group from Lugano, Switzerland, led by Marco Borradori, mayor of Lugano, recently paid a visit to Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, to celebrate the 11th anniversary of friendly ties between the two cities.

The friendly exchanges between China and Switzerland (Hangzhou-Lugano) started in 2008. During the past 11 years, the cultural envoys have exchanged the cultures and histories of the two sides through a series of cultural activities.

"In recent years, Hangzhou has been actively promoting education modernization and further expanded educational opening up against the backdrop of post G20 Summit and pre-Asian-Games", said Xiong Qunfeng, an official from Hangzhou Municipal Education Bureau, adding that he hopes that the exchange activities can inject new impetus to the Sino-Swiss relationship.

Borradori also pinned hope on the exchange activities between China and Switzerland in the future while affirming the fruitful results of the past 11 years.

An agreement on amicable exchange visits between the two cities was also signed during the activities.

Marco Borradori, mayor of Lugano, Switzerland speaks at the activities commemorating the 11th anniversary of friendly ties between Hangzhou and Lugano, on Nov 16. [Photo/WeChat account: hzsjyj]

An agreement on exchange visits between Hangzhou and Lugano is signed during the activities commemorating the 11th anniversary of friendly ties between the two sides, on Nov 16. [Photo/WeChat account: hzsjyj]