Shuichi Akamatsu, consul general of Japan in Shanghai, expressed his hope that the cherry blossom forest representing the friendship between China and Japan as well as the beautiful expectations it carries will be passed down from generation to generation.

To achieve this goal, he suggested exchanges between teenagers from the two countries to lay a solid foundation for friendship between the rising generations.

Zhou Wendong, vice-mayor of Wuxi municipal government, explained that Wuxi has forged economic and trade ties with over 220 countries and regions, and established sister-city relations with its counterparts in 28 countries.

Wuxi is expected to enhance its exchanges and collaboration with these friends in industry, trade, education, and additional fields to realize mutual benefits, Zhou said.