By outdoor-nature-child.com On October 25, French Montpellier Mayor Michaël Delafosse reminisced about his last encounter with “Yuanmeng,” a giant panda born in France, saying, “The last time I saw Yuanmeng was in 2021, when it was still living at the Beauval Zoo in France.” Delafosse and his delegation visited the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where they had the opportunity to reunite with Yuanmeng. “It’s healthy, lively, and in great shape!” he remarked, showing photos of Yuanmeng from three years ago on his phone, while capturing new moments with the playful panda.
Montpellier and Chengdu have shared a sister city relationship for 43 years, marking them as the first pair of sister cities between China and France. Throughout the years, the two cities have engaged in extensive cultural, economic, educational, sports, and healthcare exchanges, continuously deepening their friendship. They have also achieved several significant milestones in the history of Sino-French relations, including establishing the first European TCM educational diploma, creating the first school named after sister cities in the history of Sino-French exchanges, and opening Montpellier’s first official overseas office.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France. Delafosse has been leading a large delegation on a visit to Chengdu from October 22 to 25, comprising members from various sectors including trade, education, culture, health, sports, and transportation. The delegation’s itinerary has been packed, with visits to the Chengdu Transportation Bureau, the Chengdu Planning Exhibition Hall, schools, hospitals, and metro stations. “Chengdu is a vibrant city full of potential, and I hope our exchange and collaboration will continue to deepen,” Delafosse expressed.
On October 23, Wang Fengchao, Deputy Secretary of the Chengdu Municipal Committee and Mayor, met with Delafosse’s delegation to sign a Memorandum of Cooperation (2025-2030) between Chengdu and Montpellier. They also witnessed the signing of a cooperative intent between the Chengdu Museum and Montpellier’s Fabre Museum.
Delafosse emphasized the importance of international sister city cooperation in enhancing the relationship between France, Europe, and China. He hopes that the recent signing of the Memorandum will bring new energy to the collaboration between the two cities, particularly in trade, cultural tourism, education, and health. “This partnership, especially with the Chengdu Museum and Fabre Museum, will provide more French people with a better understanding of Chinese culture,” he noted.
This was Delafosse’s first visit to China, and he expressed how impressed he was by the dynamic development he observed. He hopes for more frequent exchanges between the youth of both countries to sow more “seeds” for the enduring friendship between France and China.