Hangzhou and Verona, Italy sign a cooperation agreement in Beijing on Nov 8 to forge deeper connections. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]

Hangzhou, capital of East China's Zhejiang province, and Verona, a historical city in northern Italy, signed a cooperation agreement on Nov 8 in Beijing.

According to the agreement, the two cities will enhance dialogue and deepen understanding by strengthening cooperation in historical and cultural heritage, tourism, arts, performances, trade, sports, research, training, and museum interactions.

Among the highlights of their partnership, the two sides agreed to build a Hangzhou-Verona Exchange Pavilion near West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site. They will also carry out exchanges and cooperation among their museums in the protection and restoration of cultural relics and promote the trade of local specialties such as wine and tea.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Italy, as well as the fifth anniversary of the establishment of friendship-city ties between Hangzhou and Verona.

Two Italians try some ice cream inspired by ancient Hangzhou love stories. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]