A Dongying-Livorno friendly exchange is held in Livorno in Italy on July 6. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn] 

A Dongying-Livorno friendly exchange was held in Livorno in Italy on July 6, attracting more than 60 people including representatives from Dongying, the Livorno government, enterprises, universities, residents and media.

Yu Hongbo, head of the Dongying information office, said that Dongying, as one of the first international wetland cities and national civilized cities, has a profound cultural heritage, geographical advantages and a good living environment.

With its abundant natural resources and good industrial foundation, the city has developed key industries such as petrochemicals, oil equipment, new energy and new materials.

Nishan Library is launched at the event. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn] 

"Dongying has three world-class tourist resources: the convergence of the Yellow River and the Bohai Sea, the new wetland and wild birds," Yu said.

Yu noted that China and Italy are both ancient civilized countries and friendly exchanges between Dongying and Livorno have been intensified in recent years. The event, he added, will have a positive impact on enhancing friendship and promoting exchanges between the two sides.

Roca Karloff, chancellor of the Livorno council, warmly welcomed the delegation and introduced his city. He expressed hope that Livorno and Dongying would carry out cooperation and exchanges in the fields of culture and education in the future.

Dongying's intangible cultural heritage items are displayed at the event. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

During the exchange, the Nishan Library was unveiled and the award ceremony of Sino-Italian cultural exchange ambassadors was held. The Dongying delegation also showcased art such as Lyuju Opera, painting and calligraphy, and held an exhibition themed "Yellow River Flowing into the Sea, Ecological Dongying".

The delegation then met with local officials and discussed issues on cultural, educational and other exchanges. The two sides signed a memorandum of cooperation on strengthening cultural and educational exchanges in the near future.