IT has been three decades since a beautiful, nature-driven friendship was forged between the Penang Botanic Gardens and Itabashi Botanical Garden in Tokyo, Japan.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow reflected on this longstanding relationship, which began in 1994, and emphasised that Penang is always open to forming bonds and establishing friendships with cities from around the world.
“Penang has developed various sister-city relationships with many cities globally, and Japan has always been an essential part of this network. We share important links with Yokohama and Kanagawa Prefecture in Japan.
“The Penang Botanic Gardens is a very important landmark here in Penang and is often a key attraction that draws tourists from afar and near.
“I believe the same is true with Itabashi Botanical Garden in Japan,” Chow said during a courtesy visit by Itabashi mayor Takeshi Sakamoto at his office in Komtar today.
Chow thanked the Japanese Government, agencies, and relevant departments for their presence in Malaysia, particularly in Penang.
“I believe the Penang government has benefitted from the technical expertise and exchanges provided by the Japanese community in Malaysia over the years.
“From time to time, we still have Japanese agencies expressing interest in exploring collaboration with our state government, and we appreciate the technical competence that they bring to share with our people,” he added.
Sakamoto expressed his appreciation for the enduring friendship and called for both cities to collaborate in areas deemed of mutual interest to further strengthen their bond in the future.
Also present during the courtesy visit was Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk A. Rajendran.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis