Zhang Yu

JeniZhang13@163.com

THE diplomatic friendship between China and the Netherlands is like a river that constantly flows. It is utterly important to ensure both countries prosper in the next 50 years, with the river well-managed, according to Antoni Mandemaker, acting consul general of the consulate-general of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Guangzhou.

Mandemaker made the remarks in an interview with Shenzhen Daily on Friday, when a flower installation in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Netherlands was presented at the Xiangmihu Flower Wonderland in Futian District.

“The meaning of the event is of course the celebration of the 50 years between us. But even more important is the 50 years that we are looking forward to. As it is shown by the icons, it’s like a river that keeps on flowing all the time,” Mandemaker said.

The flower installation features three distinct Dutch specialties, namely water, tulips, and Delft Blue ceramics. The lines of the installation’s logo symbolize the branching of the river, and at the same time, it resembles the Chinese character “ren” (人), which means person.

According to Mandemaker, the Dutch and Chinese people understood very early the power of water. “Water is essential for life. It brings prosperity, it makes plants grow and makes flowers bloom. On the other side its power is so strong; it is important to manage it well.”

Shenzhen is the installation’s terminal city. Previously, it was showcased in Guangzhou, Chongqing, Shanghai, Beijing and Qingdao.

“As one of the central cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Shenzhen is an important high-tech R&D center and manufacturing base, blossoming in its own way,” Mandemaker said.

From Jan. 2 next year, China Southern Airlines will operate the first direct flight from Shenzhen to Amsterdam. It will be the first intercontinental route the airline launched in Shenzhen after the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.

“The opening of this new airline route will build a new air bridge between the Netherlands and Shenzhen, and facilitate bilateral trade, tourism and education, etc. We welcome friends from Shenzhen to visit the kingdom of tulips,” Mandemaker said.