The biggest highlight of Mr. State Secretary Michael Biel’s recent delegation to Beijing was celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Berlin-Beijing partnership on November 4 at the Goethe-Institut. This milestone event was organized by our office and MESSE BERLIN CHINA, with the Senate Department for Economic Affairs, Energy, and Public Enterprises as the main host, joined by co-hosts including the Senate Chancellery, Berlin Partner für Wirtschaft und Technologie GmbH, visitBerlin, BER - Berlin Brandenburg Airport, and the Goethe-Institut e.V. in China.
The festivities began with a formal meeting between government representatives of Berlin and Beijing. Mr. Biel and the delegation met with Mrs. Liu Meiying, Deputy Secretary-General of the Beijing Municipal Government, and other key officials from Beijing authorities.
During the Business Dialogue Session, topics like innovation, clean energy, and the cultural and creative industries took center stage, as business and political leaders from both cities discussed ways to enhance synergy in today’s globalized world.
The evening celebration was an opportunity for guests to connect in a relaxed atmosphere, featuring artistic performances, interactive activities, and culinary delights from Berlin and Beijing, including Berliner Currywurst, Berliner Brandstifter, Peking Duck, and Yanjing Beer etc.
Some memorable moments included:
- Greetings and Best Wishes: Mr. Biel represented Berlin, while Mrs. Liu Meiying and Mr. Yu Bianjiang represented Beijing, along with Dr. Stefan Grabherr and Dr. Weithöner from the German Embassy, all of whom warmly congratulated Berlin and Beijing on their meaningful partnership.
- A Keynote Speech by Mr. Shi Mingde: Former Chinese Ambassador to Germany and President of the Sino-German Friendship Association, Mr. Shi reflected on his 24 years in Berlin and the city’s transformation over the years.
- "Berlin: Your Gateway to Europe": Stefan Franzke’s keynote speech captivated the audience as he emphasized Berlin’s role as an entry point to Europe.
- Live Graffiti Art by Hendrik auf der Heidt: invited by VisitBerlin, the renowned graffiti artist and founder of Urban Artists created a special graffiti piece to commemorate this meaningful anniversary, and invited guests to join in a workshop where they created their own graffiti on predesigned tote bags.
- Music by temple rate and DJ Lyu: The evening was filled with Berlin vibes, as these talented artists set the atmosphere with energetic techno music.
A heartfelt thank you to all of our partners who are doing business in Berlin and Beijing and actively support to strengthen the Berlin-Beijing relationship: Agora Energiewende, Berliner Bites Döner, Cheers, The Drivery, Expatrio, Hainan Airlines, LiangDao, NIO蔚来, Obst Zimmer by MMC, RENAFAN, Römerhof Weinhaus, and Yanjing Bier.
Here’s to continued growth, friendship, and collaboration between Berlin and Beijing!
