Meeting of Chinese Ambassador with Sari Mayor; A Cultural Bridge Along the Silk Road

According to the Management of Communications and International Affairs of Sari Municipality, Seyed Hassan Ahmadi highlighted Sari's special position as the capital of Mazandaran province and the largest city in northern Iran with a population of over 350,000 people. He emphasized the city's unique geographical location adjacent to the Hyrcanian forests, Alborz mountain range, and the Caspian Sea coast.

The Mayor described Sari's moderate and humid climate and its transformation into a destination and one of Iran's natural tourism hubs as among the city's strengths.

Noting Sari's significant capacities in tourism, agriculture, urban services, and its role as a communication corridor between eastern and central Iran, the Mayor expressed readiness to sign a sister-city agreement with a Chinese city, considering this a foundation for Sari's economic prosperity.

Ahmadi also proposed holding annual local festivals such as Sari's "Kaei Pela" and "Tash Kalleh" in China, and reciprocally hosting Chinese festivals in Sari, evaluating this as an effective step for cultural exchange, economic development, and attracting foreign tourists. He considered membership in the International Tourism Alliance of Silk Road Cities as an important opportunity for Sari's future.

Referring to Sari's strategic positions including pristine forests, the Tajan River, moderate climate, Shahid Rajaei Dam, proximity to the capital, and international rail, air, and road connections, he introduced the city as a suitable investment destination. He proposed allocating 8 kilometers along the Tajan River for investment and tourism development. Additionally, he emphasized exchanging experiences in technology, traffic management, smart city development, renewable energy (solar), and economic exchanges.

In response, Zhong Ping Wu, China's Ambassador to Iran, described his first visit to Mazandaran and Sari as a memorable experience and praised the beautiful nature, abundant resources, and hardworking people of Sari.

He described Sari as a beautiful and clean city with a river that represents the city's soul. The Chinese Ambassador also emphasized the international community's welcome of the Silk Road and its tangible achievements, praising the good cooperation between China and Iran within this framework, including Sari's role in central Mazandaran along the Silk Road.

Zhong Ping Wu stated that China provides development opportunities for other friendly countries, with China's trade volume with Silk Road countries being two percent higher than with other countries. He emphasized the important mission of introducing Mazandaran province and Sari city's capacities to the Chinese people.

The Ambassador expressed hope that through the efforts of his embassy colleagues, proper introduction of Mazandaran and its capital would be made to China.

He added that this meeting represents an important step toward deepening relations between Sari and China, paving the way for future cooperation and mutual growth.

During this meeting, the Chinese Ambassador officially invited Sari's Mayor to visit the Chinese Embassy in Tehran and requested enhanced cooperation in introducing Sari's capacities to the Chinese people.

the Management of Communications and International Affairs of Sari Municipality