Fingal welcomes Chengdu delegation to celebrate 10-Year twinning anniversary

To celebrate a decade-long partnership, Fingal County Council warmly welcomed a delegation from Chengdu, China, to mark the 10th Anniversary of their twinning relationship. The visit emphasised a flourishing friendship between the two regions, characterised by cultural exchange, economic cooperation, and mutual understanding.

Led by Jiang Bin, Director General of the Foreign Affairs Office of Chengdu, the delegation included Si Beibei, Division Chief of the European Affairs Division, and Wang Ziyi, Officer of the Protocol Division. The milestone event featured the official unveiling of a panda sculpture gifted by the Chengdu Municipality, symbolising the enduring ties between the authorities.

The Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Brian McDonagh, highlighted the significance of the occasion: "Today marks a significant milestone in the friendship and ongoing cooperation between Fingal and Chengdu. Over the past decade, our partnership has flourished, fostering cultural exchange and economic ties. This panda, with artwork of different locations from across the county, stands as a testament to our shared aspirations and serves as a lasting reminder of the bond we have nurtured."

Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, is a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant culinary scene, and iconic giant pandas. It is also a hub for innovation and technology, attracting global businesses and fostering international collaboration. As one of the largest cities in western China, Chengdu's dynamic spirit resonates with Fingal’s own aspirations for growth and global engagement.

The Fingal-Chengdu partnership has facilitated a range of collaborative efforts, including tourism, trade, and educational exchanges. The twinning arrangement exemplifies the power of global connections to bridge communities and foster mutual growth.

Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly said: "As we celebrate 10 years of twinning, we are proud of the achievements our agreement has fostered. This partnership has allowed us to support a number of key cultural exchange events, has strengthened trade opportunities, and is enriching educational collaborations to the benefit of both our communities. We look forward to deepening these ties in the years to come."

Along with recognition of the decade long partnership, the Chengdu delegation also presented the council with a Silver Award for its Fingal Garden display at the 2024 International Horticultural Exhibition held in Chengdu.

Twinning between the two locations has helped deepen their understanding of each other’s cultures and traditions partnership and explore opportunities to build a brighter, more connected future for their citizens. This week’s visit reaffirms both regions' commitment to strengthening their ties, with plans for future collaboration in areas such as cultural events, tourism promotion, and economic initiatives.