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Recently, over 20 European diplomats from countries, such as Ireland, the Netherlands and Spain, and international organizations, paid a visit to Nanjing. They visited enterprises, research institutes, and historical and cultural attractions to savor the “futuristic ambiance” of the city known as the ancient capital of six dynasties.
The diplomats stepped into the Jiangsu Industrial Technology Research Institute, where they learned about a new model characterized by “R&D as industry and technology as commodity” through a video showcasing the achievements of Jiangsu’s industrial innovation in recent years. They engaged in salon interactions and a field visit at BASF-YPC Company Limited to witness China’s green development and changes. They headed to Singapore Nanjing Eco Hi-tech Island to relish the splendid ecological landscapes and the authentic scene of “Low-carbon Smart Island.” They also ascended the Nanjing City Wall and measured the ancient bricks with their steps to appreciate the city’s profound historical significance…
“Nanjing is a beautiful city that boasts many historical relics,” said Mr. Canut Martin Jordi, Third Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Principality of Andorra, who was visiting Nanjing for the first time. Captivated by the ancient city’s charm and intrigued by industrial innovation, he stated, “China is a country with a vast population and a large territory. I have seen many achievements in innovation-driven development here and have a keen interest in China’s further growth.” He also noted that there will be tremendous potential for cooperation between China and Western countries in the future.
Mrs. Elvira Bektesi, Head of the Department for Visa Policy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Montenegro, expressed her admiration for Nanjing’s industrial innovation prowess. “I’m very impressed by the Jiangsu Industrial Technology Research Institute. I truly like the concept of ‘bridging the gap between technology and industry’, and would like to introduce this concept to my country.” This visit was a pleasant surprise. “I’m so glad to have come to China; it has shown me how beautiful China is.”
Ms. Uta Kühn, First Secretary of German Embassy to Senegal, noted that her hometown of Leipzig is a sister city to Nanjing. Upon learning about the highly fruitful exchanges between Nanjing and Leipzig, she expressed her admiration and hope for more exchanges and cooperation between Germany and China in the future.
This trip to Nanjing is of extraordinary significance to Mr. Jean-Luc Oesch, Head Regional Coordination East Asia, State Secretariat, Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA). When he was young, he once worked as a foreign teacher in Nanjing. This marks his first return after a quarter-century of departure from Nanjing. “There are many skyscrapers here. Nanjing is developing at an astonishing pace, yet it remains breathtakingly beautiful.” Standing on the city wall, he looked into the distance and exclaimed. When it comes to his fondness for Nanjing, he said: “I love Nanjing because I worked and lived here, and also because Nanjing is a mega city that is both traditional and modern… In a word, I love everything about it!”
