Athens, Shanghai Sign City Twinning Agreement, Tourism a Key Area of Collaboration

Shanghai Mayor Zheng Gong with Athens Mayor Haris Doukas. Photo source: Athens Municipality

A city twinning agreement has been signed between Athens and Shanghai, marking a significant step in the continued collaboration between the two cities.

The agreement was formalized on Thursday during the visit of Shanghai Mayor Zheng Gong, who led a large delegation from China, to Athens Mayor Harris Doukas at city hall.

This city twinning agreement builds on a series of earlier Memorandums of Cooperation between Athens and Shanghai, signed in 2009, 2011, 2013, and 2017. The latest agreement seeks to deepen bilateral relations, with tourism playing a central role in this evolving partnership.

Tourism Among the Key Focus Areas of the Agreement

Photo source: Athens Municipality

Both mayors highlighted tourism as a key pillar of the new collaboration, highlighting the potential for sustainable growth and mutual benefit.

“Shanghai and Athens, China and Greece, are two areas of the world with significant geostrategic importance,” Mayor Doukas said. “We are confident that through continued international collaboration, the only thing that will separate us is the distance.”

In response, Mayor Zheng Gong expressed his enthusiasm for strengthening the connection between the two cities.

“Our cities have a long history of friendly exchanges,” said Zheng Gong. “With this twinning agreement, we are eager to deepen our ties and seek mutually beneficial outcomes for both our peoples.”

Key Areas of the Twinning Agreement

Photo source: Athens Municipality

The agreement outlines several areas of collaboration, including tourism, culture, sports, entrepreneurship and innovation, education, urban development, the climate crisis, resilience and sustainability. Key points include:

– Tourism Development: Athens and Shanghai will collaborate on sustainable tourism initiatives, share best practices, and jointly promote both cities as top global destinations. Additionally, efforts will be made to maintain the direct airline route between the two cities, encouraging further tourism.

– Cultural and Educational Exchanges: The cities aim to promote cultural understanding through joint events, festivals, and exhibitions. Educational programs will also foster the study of each other’s languages, encouraging cross-cultural exchange.

– Entrepreneurship and Innovation: A platform will be developed to support business collaboration and investment opportunities, with a focus on technology, innovation, and sustainable solutions.

– Urban Development and Sustainability: The two cities will exchange knowledge on urban planning, sustainability, and the protection of cultural heritage. Joint initiatives will also address climate change challenges, including the promotion of green technologies and electric vehicles.

Expanding Cultural and Business Collaboration

Photo source: Athens Municipality

Athens’ participation in the 2024 ITB China Expo in Shanghai marked the beginning of a deeper business relationship, particularly in tourism. The two cities also aim to enhance cultural exchange programs through various festivals and exhibitions. The “This is Athens – City Festival”, scheduled for May, will showcase China’s rich cultural heritage, fostering mutual appreciation.

Mayor Doukas also underlined that the partnership aligns with Athens’ broader strategy for sustainable tourism development and international cooperation.

“This twinning agreement is not only an opportunity to strengthen tourism but also to enhance broader cultural, educational, and business exchanges between our cities,” he said.