Rota sets up sister city relations with 2 China sites

Rota has established sister city relationships with two places in China, while a third one is in the works, pending a visit by a ranking municipal official to the southern island.

Rota Mayor Benjamin T. Manglona described his recent trip to China as “a tremendous success of great potential, with endless possibilities for long-term friendship, friendly exchanges for mutual benefits.”

Manglona said that sister city relations have been established with the city of Guangzhou, in the Guandong province; and Zhenjiang Municipality in the Jiangsu province.

“Additionally, the vice mayor of Xiamen is prepared to sign a memorandum of understanding upon his official visit to Rota in the near future,” said Manglona.

The Rota delegation’s first destination was to Guangzhou, City, where they met with Chen Jixuan, the vice chairman of Guangzhou People’s Political Consultative Conference and the vice president of Guangzhou Friendship Association with Foreign Countries. The Chinese delegation included officials from the Office of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, the Economic Cooperation Bureau, and the Tourism Bureau.

Discussions centered on the characteristics of the islands, its people, natural resources, issues about the culture, economy, education and related governmental affairs.

“Our efforts to forge the way to establish partnerships was accomplished through the overwhelming gesture of genuine interest as we met and engaged in friendly discussions with city officials let to the signing of the memorandum of understanding accomplishing our sister city relationship” said Manglona.

The next destination was to Zhenjiang Municipality, Jiangsu Province, China. Zhenjiang was the venue of an International Fair for Investment and Trade, which attracted close to 200 participants from around the globe. The highlight of the Rota visitors’ meeting with the people of Zhenjiang was the signing ceremonies of the memorandum of understanding that was included as part of the International Conference.

“Much credit goes to Mr. Calvin Lai and associate, Rota Ambassador to China, for the timely schedule that coincided with the international conference and our visit with the people of Zhenjiang; especially to vice mayor Chen Jianshe for graciously according us the opportunity to be among some of the Fortune 500 business people,” said Manglona.

The last destination was to Xiamen, the hub of both air and sea transportations connecting mainland China and the rest of the industrial world, forming the South Fujian Golden Triangle Economic Belt.

The Rota delegation met with Xiamen Airlines’ president and executive officials to explore the potential connection between Rota, Xiamen and other destinations.

“It was made abundantly clear by top officials of Xiamen Airlines that they welcome competition as they express their genuine interest to extend assistance in promoting friendly exchange and mutual cooperation between people of the Municipality of Rota and the People’s Republic of China,” said Manglona.

He said the window of opportunity is waiting for the Commonwealth Ports Authority to invite Xiamen Airlines to explore negotiation of a bilateral agreement that can lead to establishment of the CNMI as part of their air service route.