Guangzhou and Jena, Germany sign a memorandum of cooperation to enhance communication on Oct 12 during a video conference. [Photo/WeChat account: GZWS411665430]

Wen Guohui, mayor of Guangzhou, met with Thomas Nitzsche, mayor of Jena, Germany, on Oct 12 during a video conference, signing a memorandum of cooperation to enhance communication between the two cities.

Jena, the second largest city in the German state of Thuringia, enjoys a global reputation for its optical manufacturing industry. More than 40 percent of the optical and laser products exported by Germany are manufactured in Jena.

Wen said that Guangzhou and Jena have achieved great outcomes in cooperation and that the two cities have been supporting each other since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). He expressed his hope that the two cities can carry out more exchanges and cooperation in areas spanning economy and trade, precision manufacturing, urban governance, as well as COVID-19 pandemic prevention and control.

Nitzsche expressed gratitude for Guangzhou's support in providing materials for COVID-19 pandemic prevention and control. He said that it was very impressive that Guangzhou's economy has revived so well since the outbreak, adding that he hoped that the two cities can deepen communication and cooperation in areas including economy, sports, and culture.