The delegation leader Wang Bingchun (sitting on the right), director of the general office of Shandong provincial department of culture signs an agreement witha parliamentarian of Kingston royal borough in London during the visit to Kingston. [Photo/ sdwht.gov.cn]

The delegation presents Lun Yu (Analects of Confucius) and Sun Zi Bingfa (Sun Tzu: The Art of War) as gifts to John Elson, a founder of Kingston Welcome Company during the visit to Kingston. [Photo/sdwht.gov.cn]

A delegation from the Shandong provincial government information office, department of commerce and Shandong International cultural exchange center was invited to visit London’s Kingston Royal Borough from July 30 to Aug 2.

During the visit, the delegation attended a comprehensive cultural exchange celebration entitled “Londonledonsive welcomes the South Korea.” They also signed a cooperative agreement with the local government of Kingston and the Kingston Welcome Company for “Londontyive d t welcomes Shandong province” - a promotional activity for the province.

The activity will be held in 2017 under the theme of “cooperation between Kingston and Shandong province”.

They also exchanged opinions on professional training and trade shows tailored towards cultural, creative and animation industries.

The delegation also invited members of Kingston Royal Borough and Kingston Welcome Company to visit Shandong province before the commencement of the cooperative project.

Kingston Royal Borough

Kingston is one of four royal boroughs in London and is located in the Southwest part of the capital. Kingston has a population of 160,000 and became a part of Greater London after the adjustment of administrative divisions.

The historical borough is the place where seven kings of England ascended to the throne, lending it the title, “the birthplace of England”.

It is also the hometown of Tim Berners-Lee, who is widely renowned as the father of the Internet.

Kingston Welcome Company

Kingston Welcome Company was co-founded by senior art critic John Elson, computer specialist Mary Reid and senior media worker Roger Jeal.

The company is planning to hold an annual international cultural exchange activity named “Kingston Welcome”. It is a non-governmental organization, whose initial capital was raised by the local government of Kingston and revenues from enterprises and sponsors, and ticket sales. Revenues and proceeds will be used to hold various activities.