Xiamen receives guests from South Korean sister city

Athletes from Pyeongtaek, South Korea pose for a group photo during the 2018 Xiamen Marathon on Jan 7. [Photo/xmfo.gov.cn]

At the invitation of Xiamen, guests from its South Korean sister city Pyeongtaek visited Xiamen to attend the 2018 Xiamen Marathon from Jan 6 to 9.

The two cities have maintained close exchanges in sports since 2002 when they established sister city ties. This is the ninth time that the athletes from Pyeongtaek attended the Xiamen Marathon.

On Jan 7, Kong Suting, vice president of the Xiamen Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, met with the South Korean guests and congratulated them on their excellent performances in the marathon.

Kong noted that Xiamen has been organizing the marathon since 2003 and that the Xiamen Marathon is considered as one of the most influential and renowned games both home and abroad. The growing popularity of the game on the international stage can't be gained without the support of sister cities, according to Kong. She also invited more South Korean athletes to attend the Xiamen Marathon, and promote the exchanges between Xiamen and Pyeongtaek.

Chong Sung-chae, head of the South Korean delegation from Pyeongtaek, said he was impressed by Xiamen's efforts in ensuring the success of the marathon and its beautiful environment. He also invited Xiamen athletes to his city for marathon.