Beijing and Mexico City, both metropolises known for their
ancient civilizations, are likely to formalize an agreement within
this year on becoming twin cities, visiting Beijing vice mayor Zhai
Hongxiang said on Tuesday.
The deal is expected to help promote bilateral cooperation and
exchanges in the fields of municipal governance, education, culture
and sports, Zhai said upon signing a deal, on Beijing's intention
to become Mexico City's twin, with Jose Angel Avila, a senior
official of the Mexico City government.
Under the intentional deal, the two sides will launch the
assessment process for officially becoming twin cities.
Beijing and Mexico City share challenges in traffic, municipal
governance, environmental protection and human resource
management.
"It is still a challenge facing Beijing to combine building a
modern city with preserving the outlooks of an ancient city," Zhai
said, adding that Beijing should learn from other metropolis as the
Chinese capital is determined to build itself into a vibrant
metropolis.
Avila voiced hope for the two cities to strengthen cooperation
in city planning and construction, the ecological system, trade and
investment.
Beijing has forged twin city ties with 39 cities worldwide,
including Washington, Tokyo, Tel Aviv and Havana.
(Xinhua News Agency April 12, 2007)
