"We hope that our meeting can become the foundation of our two parties to cooperate in various sectors," Singkawang Mayor Tjhai Chui Mie said in Singkawang, West Kalimantan, on Monday.
She also expressed the hope that besides supporting development in the three sectors, the friendship city agreement, initiated through a letter of intent, would bolster efforts to enhance residents' welfare and economic development in Singkawang and Miri.
Meanwhile, the Mayor of Miri City Adam Yii Siew Sang said that his city shares several similarities with Singkawang, for instance, in terms of the residents' tolerance and cultural heritage.
"I am fond of my stay in Singkawang; besides, I intend to develop a friendship city agreement. Miri and Singkawang cities have many similarities, particularly in social tolerance," he remarked.
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The cooperation agreement would open new avenues for business and social cooperation between the residents of the two cities, he added.
"The letter of intent signed between the two parties will open new avenues of business recovery and cooperation between residents of the two cities. As we are neighboring countries, we must become a good neighbor and forge a good and beneficial relationship with each other," the Miri mayor said.
He lauded the cooperation, saying it has provided new opportunities for Sarawak residents to develop themselves by collaborating with Singkawang residents in various aspects.
"(The cooperation agreement) is a huge opportunity for the Sarawak people, particularly for their business development, cultural exchange, education, medical tourism, and other aspects. We believe we can develop together those sectors," he remarked.
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Translator: Rendra Oxtora, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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