The coastal city of Yantai in East China's Shandong province established a friendly city relationship with Petah Tikva, Israel via a video link on June 28.

Zheng Deyan, mayor of Yantai, said that in recent years, the two cities have actively promoted friendly exchanges and scored remarkable achievements under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Israel. Yantai, as one of the first coastal open cities in China, and an important port city along the Belt and Road, will leverage its competitive advantages in industries, city construction, and opening-up, and expand in-depth cooperation in various fields with Petah Tikva.

The friendship between China and Israel dates back to ancient times, and cooperation between Yantai and Petah Tikva is important for promoting common development, sharing knowledge and experience, and promoting prosperity, according to Rahm Greenberg, mayor of Petah Tikva.

Petah Tikva will deepen cooperation with Yantai in various fields such as innovative development, science and technology, and education, and the two cities will achieve more fruitful cooperation under the framework of the friendly city relationship, Greenberg said.

Petah Tikva is the fourth largest city in Israel and has a long history and profound cultural deposits. The city also boasts strong scientific and technological innovation capabilities, as well as a strong industrial foundation.