Guiyang, Belarus' Vitebsk to become sister cities

Representatives from Guiyang and Vitebsk sign a letter of intent to become sister cities via video link. [Photo/Guiyang news network]

Guiyang, capital of Southwest China's Guizhou province, and Vitebsk in Belarus signed a letter of intent to become sister cities via video link on Nov 15.

Vitebsk, located in northeast Belarus, is the capital city of Vitebsk Oblast, the third most populous city in the country, and a major political, economic and cultural center.

The city covers an area of 135 square kilometers and has a population of about 360,000. As one of the oldest cities in Belarus, Vitebsk boasts a rich history and many tourist attractions, and is known for its meat, dairy and footwear products.

The city's economy relies primarily on industrial output, and the city maintains economic and trade exchanges with 80 countries and regions.

Lin Ping, deputy mayor of Guiyang, said at the signing ceremony that Guiyang is currently strengthening exchange and cooperation with countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative.

Lin said he hopes both cities take the letter of intent as an opportunity to enhance cooperation in tourism, industrial development, education and infrastructure, especially when it comes to the operation of China Railway Express, and realize mutual benefits.

Nikolay Orlov, mayor of Vitebsk, said that under the framework of establishing friendly relations, universities in Guizhou and Vitebsk also signed cooperation agreements.

Despite the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on regional cooperation, Orlov said he hopes both sides will carry out more online cooperation to achieve specific goals and satisfy bilateral interests in different areas.

Jiang Hong, full-time vice-president of Guizhou People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, said that Guizhou established friendly relations with Vitebsk Oblast in 2021, and the signing of the letter of intent has the potential to further the friendly relationship between the two parties.

Jiang said he hopes both Guizhou and Vitebsk Oblast will promote cooperation on education, trade, medical treatment and culture between government departments and universities.

So far, Guiyang has 23 sister cities and cities with friendly relationship.