A cooperation memorandum between Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang province and Verona, Italy is signed at the 2019 Hangzhou International Sister City Mayors Conference on Sept 4. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang province, signed a friendly cooperation memorandum with Verona, Italy at the 2019 Hangzhou International Sister City Mayors Conference on Sept 4.

According to the agreement, the two sides will deepen cooperation in cultural heritage protection, tourism and city promotion.

This March, Hangzhou and Verona signed an agreement to promote, develop and share their respective UNESCO world heritage sites, ushering in a new chapter in cultural exchange between the two ancient cities.

The cooperation memorandum is significant to both cities and is a sign of their growing friendship, said Federico Sboarina, mayor of Verona.

"I was impressed by Hangzhou's beautiful scenery, local cuisine, culture, and technology. I think this is a good start, and I'm looking forward to future cooperation and exchange," said Sboarina.

Hangzhou has forged close ties with 30 international sister cities and 48 friendly exchange cities.

Zhou Jiangyong (left), Party secretary of Hangzhou and Federico Sboarina (right), mayor of Verona, inaugurate the Sino-Italian cultural exchange center in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province on Sept 3. [Photo/WeChat account: Hangzhou Fabu]