Harbin’s mayor looks to improve foreign relations

Song Xibin, a deputy to the National People’s Congress and mayor of Harbin, is photographed during an interview with reporters from china.com.cn [Photo/china.com.cn]

Song Xibin, mayor of Harbin, claimed he is trying to improve relations with foreign countries, in an interview with reporters from china.com.cn.

Song was speaking while attending China’s two sessions in Beijing on March 9.

"At present, Harbin has established sister-city relations with 26 countries and 33 cities," said Song. 

"We cooperate well with some of the European countries, especially Russia," he added.

Harbin has established institutions such as the International Cooperation Committee and the United Working Team, organizing and holding regular meetings to promote exchanges with Harbin and other international countries and regions.

The "China-Russia Cultural and Art Week" has also become quite popular with Harbin residents. 

"We have also built the China-Russia Music and Cultural Exchange Center, the Oil Painting Trading center, and refurbished Glazunov Music Art School," said Song.

He added that Harbin boasts many Russian speakers, and Heilongjiang University, which is located in Harbin, is one of the three Russian Research Centers in China.

Harbin has also built a China-Russia tourism exchange center in Volga Manor.

"Harbin's tourism department has cooperated with various other cities to promote the establishment of a regional tourism group of Harbin, Yichun and Heihe, together with Russia's Amur State," claimed Song.