Wong (second left) giving out goodie bags to passengers from Xiamen at the Penang International Airport.
THERE are now direct flights from Penang to Xiamen every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.
China’s Xiamen Airlines has resumed the flights to further provide connectivity between the two cities.
This year also saw both cities celebrating the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties, according to state publisher Buletin Mutiara.
Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the special bond shared between the sister cities had fostered cultural exchanges, economic growth and educational advancements in the shared journey.
“It signifies the strengthening of friendly relations between our two places and the promotion of common development outcomes.
“As we embark on this new chapter, the state government hopes for even greater collaborations across various industries, all aimed at reaping mutual benefits for both our regions.
“Together, we can continue to foster understanding, goodwill, and prosperity,” Wong said before welcoming some 160 passengers from Xiamen at the Penang International Airport.
Xiamen Airlines sales manager Li Chang Zhao said this year would also mark the 50th anniversary of the bilateral relationship between Malaysia and China, and said he hoped that the longstanding friendship between the two countries would continue to flourish.
“Xiamen Airlines is honoured to serve as a new air bridge, further enhancing the friendship between China and Malaysia.”
Others present were Penang Global Tourism chief executive officer Ooi Chok Yan, Tourism Malaysia northern region director Shahrul Aman and Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd aviation, marketing and development acting general manager Zainuddin Mohamed Zainal.
