An online seminar with the theme of “Building a Better Future for Ningxia-Shimane Friendly Relations” was co-hosted by the Ningxia Foreign Affairs Office (NXFAO) and the Japan Ningxia Friendship Association on November 13. Zhang Liwei, Deputy Director-General of the NXFAO, and Morii Saburo, Chairman of the Japan Ningxia Friendship Association, attended the seminar and delivered speeches respectively. Over 50 attendees, including members of the Japan Ningxia Friendship Association, government officials from Matsue City and Shimane, as well as overseas Chinese students, exchanged views on deepening Ningxia-Shimane friendship in the post-pandemic era.

Zhang Liwei said in his speech that since Ningxia and Shimane were tied as international friendship cities, the two sides have carried out fruitful exchanges and practical cooperation, setting an example for sub-national interaction. As the two sides are highly complementary in areas such as scientific and technological innovation, modern administration, healthcare and elderly care, he is looking forward to upgraded exchanges and cooperation to embrace the upcoming 30th anniversary of such relations.

Zhang Liwei, Deputy Director-General of the NXFAO, delivers a speech.

Morii Saburo noted that this seminar is of special meaning as this year marks the tenth anniversary of the establishment of the association. He expressed that the seminar is a good opportunity for Ningxia and Shimane to set new goals for the future, so as to deepen exchanges and cooperation.

Nakao Yoku, council member of the Japan Ningxia Friendship Association, Tanaka Naomi, researcher at the joint institute of Shimane University and Ningxia University, and Lv Xuelong, associate professor of Yokohama National University, made presentations on topics such as “Ningxia at Different Times”, and “The History and Prospects of Ningxia-Shimane Friendly Relations”. Together with officials from the NXFAO, they reviewed the relations from different perspectives and outlined their vision for the future, further enhancing mutual understanding and friendship and fostering consensus.

Nakao Yoku, council member of the Japan Ningxia Friendship Association, gives a presentation.

Tanaka Naomi, researcher at the joint institute of Shimane University and Ningxia Universit, gives a presentation.

Lv Xuelong, associate professor of Yokohama National University, gives a presentation.

Going forward, the NXFAO will continue to leverage its strengths to expand cooperation with governmental departments and non-governmental groups in Shimane, and add substance and value to Ningxia-Shimane friendship.