South Korean youth delegation in Lijiang

A youth delegation of the South Korea Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade paid a visit to Lijiang on July 9, 2012. Both sides hope to enhance exchanges and cooperation in tourism and culture. They also expressed the hope to open a Lijiang-Seoul airline route at an early date.

Ji Hong-long Jia, deputy mayor of Lijiang, briefed the delegation on the economic and social development of Lijiang, especially the city's tourism development. He said that Lijiang is a beautiful wonderland with three World Heritage sites. It features rich sightseeing resources, biological diversity and abundant hydroenergy. In addition, Lijiang received up to 11 million tourists in 2011.The Lijiang Airport was approved as the state-level port in March 2012 and the Lijiang-Hong Kong airline opened on May 31.

Lijiang city has currently been consulting with Korean Air on the opening of a Lijiang-Seoul flight, which will benefit economic and social development for both sides. As an international tourist city, Lijiang has sister ties with cities in many countries such as Japan, Germany and Canada. The city seeks to establish partnership with South Korean cities in a bid to promote cultural exchanges and boost friendship between people of both countries.

The South Korean delegation said two countries have been maintaining friendly exchanges since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1992. They hope to further the cooperation between tourist authorities of both sides. They believe the Lijiang-Seoul flight will be opened soon with joint efforts from both sides.

Edited by Zhao Qian and Brian Salter