Celebrating 25 Years of Friendship Between Zhejiang and West Flanders
On October 22, 2025, Belgium witnessed the celebration of a significant milestone: the 25th anniversary of the sister-province relationship between Zhejiang Province in China and West Flanders in Belgium. The ceremony, hosted in the capital of West Flanders, Bruges, brought together esteemed guests, including HRH Princess Astrid of Belgium, officials from the Chinese Embassy, and diplomats from diverse sectors of both nations. This gathering represented not just the bonds formed over the years but a reaffirmation of enduring friendship and cooperation that has flourished for a quarter-century.
The dynamic partnership between Zhejiang and West Flanders has matured and solidified into a vital exchange of culture, commerce, and innovation. Bruges, in its historical charm, embodies this connection. The city, whose name translates to 'bridge' in Flemish, resonates with the ideals of connectivity and collaborative growth. In a notable speech delivered in 2014 at the College of Europe in Bruges, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of China's relationship with Europe, thereby invigorating ties and establishing a narrative of mutual growth and understanding.
Over the past 25 years, governors from West Flanders have made significant efforts to engage with their counterparts in Zhejiang. Remarkably, two governors have made a cumulative total of 22 visits, illustrating a deep commitment to fostering ties. The current governor, Carl Decaluwé, has visited Zhejiang on 14 occasions, each visit designed to enhance mutual understanding and collaborative ventures between the regions.
A key highlight of the anniversary celebration was the unveiling of a three-year documentary project charting this extraordinary journey. This venture saw a dedicated team of journalists travel over 9,200 kilometers, conducting interviews across multiple locations, including Zhejiang, Shanghai, Beijing, Yunnan, and various areas in Belgium. The documentary serves as a valuable repository of stories and experiences that reflect on the cooperation and friendship between these two regions. With insights into several collaborative sectors such as shipping, trade, healthcare, and education, it offers a detailed look at how these regions have worked closely together to overcome challenges and achieve shared goals.
As China and the European Union approach the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2025, this documentary not only summarizes the accomplishments so far but also honors the individuals who have been at the forefront of this partnership. It sheds light on the personal narratives of those whose lives have intertwined in this journey, acting as 'bridge builders' in the process. These stories emphasize the significance of community and individual contributions in establishing long-lasting bonds that transcend geographic boundaries. The collaborative spirit present in their endeavors resonates with the idea that partnerships are built on shared experiences, collective resilience, and a common vision for the future.
The celebration of this sister-province relationship is more than just an acknowledgment of past achievements; it is a testament to the enduring values of cooperation, understanding, and mutual respect. As both Zhejiang and West Flanders reflect upon a successful quarter-century, they look forward to continuing their partnership, fostering new opportunities, and facing future challenges together. The event summarized in the documentary serves as a reminder of the importance of working together across cultures and regions to build a brighter, more interconnected future.
The significance of this anniversary is monumental, not only for Zhejiang and West Flanders but for the broader China-EU relationship as well. Through united efforts, they have paved the way for more effective exchanges and deeper ties, standing as examples of what constructive global cooperation can achieve.
The dynamic partnership between Zhejiang and West Flanders has matured and solidified into a vital exchange of culture, commerce, and innovation. Bruges, in its historical charm, embodies this connection. The city, whose name translates to 'bridge' in Flemish, resonates with the ideals of connectivity and collaborative growth. In a notable speech delivered in 2014 at the College of Europe in Bruges, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of China's relationship with Europe, thereby invigorating ties and establishing a narrative of mutual growth and understanding.
Over the past 25 years, governors from West Flanders have made significant efforts to engage with their counterparts in Zhejiang. Remarkably, two governors have made a cumulative total of 22 visits, illustrating a deep commitment to fostering ties. The current governor, Carl Decaluwé, has visited Zhejiang on 14 occasions, each visit designed to enhance mutual understanding and collaborative ventures between the regions.
A key highlight of the anniversary celebration was the unveiling of a three-year documentary project charting this extraordinary journey. This venture saw a dedicated team of journalists travel over 9,200 kilometers, conducting interviews across multiple locations, including Zhejiang, Shanghai, Beijing, Yunnan, and various areas in Belgium. The documentary serves as a valuable repository of stories and experiences that reflect on the cooperation and friendship between these two regions. With insights into several collaborative sectors such as shipping, trade, healthcare, and education, it offers a detailed look at how these regions have worked closely together to overcome challenges and achieve shared goals.
As China and the European Union approach the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2025, this documentary not only summarizes the accomplishments so far but also honors the individuals who have been at the forefront of this partnership. It sheds light on the personal narratives of those whose lives have intertwined in this journey, acting as 'bridge builders' in the process. These stories emphasize the significance of community and individual contributions in establishing long-lasting bonds that transcend geographic boundaries. The collaborative spirit present in their endeavors resonates with the idea that partnerships are built on shared experiences, collective resilience, and a common vision for the future.
The celebration of this sister-province relationship is more than just an acknowledgment of past achievements; it is a testament to the enduring values of cooperation, understanding, and mutual respect. As both Zhejiang and West Flanders reflect upon a successful quarter-century, they look forward to continuing their partnership, fostering new opportunities, and facing future challenges together. The event summarized in the documentary serves as a reminder of the importance of working together across cultures and regions to build a brighter, more interconnected future.
The significance of this anniversary is monumental, not only for Zhejiang and West Flanders but for the broader China-EU relationship as well. Through united efforts, they have paved the way for more effective exchanges and deeper ties, standing as examples of what constructive global cooperation can achieve.
Topics People & Culture）
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