Guo Ningning (left), vice-governor of Fujian, signs a sister province relationship agreement with Igor Mirović, governor of Vojvodina, Serbia on June 19. [Photo by Chen Xubing/chinadaily.com.cn]

East China's Fujian province signed a sister province agreement with the northern Serbian province of Vojvodina at a video conference held in Fuzhou on June 19. A number of government officials from both sides gathered to witness the special moment.

The Serbian government and people offered strong support to China when it was hit by the COVID-19 epidemic, and the Chinese government also assisted Serbia by sending supplies and a team of experts to help the country fight the pandemic.

In addition, the Fujian Provincial People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and Fujian-based Zijin Mining Group Co Ltd donated a large amount of anti-epidemic supplies to Vojvodina. Local authorities said that medical experts from the two provinces will soon hold a video conference to discuss the novel coronavirus pneumonia.

In recent years, Fujian and Vojvodina have strengthened cooperation in various areas, including culture, education, economy, and trade. NetDragon Websoft Holdings Ltd, a gaming publisher and online education company based in Fuzhou, signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Education of Serbia in 2019, whereby both sides agreed to establish an education center for robotics and artificial intelligence in Belgrade this year.

"Fujian will continue to promote people-to-people exchange under the Belt and Road Initiative, and push ahead with pragmatic cooperation to benefit the people of both sides," said Guo Ningning, vice-governor of Fujian.

Guo said that Fujian and Vojvodina will strengthen cooperation in competitive industries. New business models from the two provinces will also be developed and exports of regional products will be promoted. They will also work together in epidemic prevention and control, healthcare, education, and culture.