In a recent ceremony, the city of Guangzhou strengthened its ties with Limassol, Cyprus, through the signing of a memorandum of understanding for enhanced cooperation, officially establishing an international friendship and cooperation relationship. As of now, Guangzhou has cultivated friendly relations with 103 cities in 67 countries worldwide.

Limassol, situated along the southern coast of Cyprus in the picturesque Port of Limassol, bordering the Akrotiri Sea, boasts a subtropical Mediterranean climate and stunning landscapes. It stands as Cyprus's second-largest city and its primary port city, with a population of about 160,000. The sister city agreement between Guangzhou and Limassol represents a concrete step in implementing the "Joint Statement on Establishing a Strategic Partnership between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Cyprus" as declared by the two countries' leaders.

Liu Yantao, Chinese Ambassador to Cyprus, congratulated both cities on their newfound friendship. He highlighted the significance of Guangzhou and Limassol establishing sister-city relationships, as both cities are economic hubs and vital ports and possess rich historical legacies and vibrant cultures. He expressed hopes that this partnership would lead to a collaboration between two outstanding cities, complement each other's strengths, and have fruitful outcomes, setting an example for city-level cooperation and injecting fresh momentum into the strategic partnership between China and Cyprus.

In anticipation of the sister city agreement between Guangzhou and Limassol, the Guangzhou Cultural and Art Troupe, the Laografikos Omilos Lemesou Art Troupe from Cyprus, and young overseas Chinese in Cyprus joined forces to host the "Chinese Cultural Day Event and Exchange Performance by the Guangzhou Cultural and Art Troupe" at the Pattihio Theatre Limassol, the largest theater in Limassol.

Limassol is known for its rich cultural and entertainment offerings. With its beautiful landscapes and modern hotels, the city hosts various cultural and entertainment events throughout the year, including the Limassol International Arts Festival, wine festivals, flower festivals, carnivals, and fruit festivals. Among these, the wine festival stands out as the largest and most popular event.

Furthermore, as a modern coastal city, Limassol has experienced rapid growth over the past two decades. Handling over half of the island's exports and 90% of imports, it has supplanted Famagusta as Cyprus's primary foreign trade center and seaport. Emerging as a bustling economic and commercial hub, the city has significantly contributed to the overall economic prosperity of Cyprus, driving substantial GDP growth. As its economy continues to thrive, Limassol has attracted numerous globally renowned shipping companies, banks, investment firms, information technology companies, and business service providers, all establishing branches in the city.

第103个“国际朋友”！广州市与塞浦路斯利马索市结好

近日，广州市与塞浦路斯利马索市举行加强交流合作备忘录签署仪式，双方建立国际友好合作交流城市关系。截至目前，广州市已与67个国家的103个城市建立了友好关系。

利马索（Limassol）位于塞浦路斯岛南岸利马索湾的最内部，傍阿克罗蒂里海，亚热带地中海型气候，风光旖旎，是塞浦路斯的第二大城市、第一大港口城市，人口约16万。广州与利马索结好是落实两国元首发表的《中华人民共和国和塞浦路斯共和国关于建立战略伙伴关系的联合声明》的具体行动。

中国驻塞浦路斯大使刘彦涛祝贺两市结好，表示广州与利马索均为经济中心城市和重要港口，拥有悠久历史和灿烂文化，建立友城关系是天作之合。希望双方强强联合、优势互补，推动友城合作结出累累硕果，树立中塞地方合作的典范，为中塞战略伙伴关系注入新动力。

在广州与利马索结好前夕，广州文化艺术团、塞浦路斯Laografikos Omilos Lemesou 艺术团及在塞华人华侨青少年，联袂在利马索最大剧院Pattihio Theatre Limassol举行中国文化日活动暨广州文化艺术团赴塞浦路斯交流演出。

据了解，利马索文化娱乐活动丰富。这里风景优美，又有许多现代化旅馆，为了吸引游客和满足人们文化生活的需要，利马索每年都要举行利马索国际艺术节、酒节、花卉节、狂欢节和水果节等各种文化娱乐活动，酒节是这些活动中规模最大、最受人欢迎的节日。

同时，作为一座现代化的海滨城市，近20年来，利马索发展迅速，塞岛出口一半以上、进口的90%都通过这里，它已取代法马古斯塔成为塞岛主要的进出口贸易中心和海港，成为塞浦路斯的海上门户、塞浦路斯经济最活跃和最发达的城市，极大推动了塞浦路斯GDP的增长。随着经济的不断增长，利马索也吸引了很多世界著名的航运公司、银行、投资公司、信息通讯技术公司以及企业服务公司来设立分公司。

文、图｜羊城晚报全媒体记者 邹丽珍 通讯员 穗外事
译｜刘佳慧
责编 | 王楠
校对 | 周勇