A successful international video conference was held on July 31 to further extend relations established between the city of Harbin – capital city of China’s northernmost Heilongjiang province – and a key city in the United Kingdom, according to local officials.

They said talks were held with the city of Sunderland in the UK. The two metropolises first established a friendly sister relationship on May 19, 2009.

Officials said that the conference focused more cooperation between the two cities in various fields such as government exchanges, education and healthcare.

During the talks, Harbin’s mayor urged the two sides to expand their commerce and trade, as well as to build a platform for business exchanges and cooperation.

He also proposed the continuation of educational exchanges between primary and secondary schools, to promote people-to-people bonds.

The call was also made to stage a joint online city promotions activity.

Officials said this is expected to showcase the natural landscape and folk customs of both cities, as well as enhance their peoples' understanding of each other's history, culture, tourism, cuisine and specialty products.