Echo Hu/ Shanghai Daily news

Shanghai Mayor Han Zheng met a delegation of government officials from Osaka Prefecture at Xing Guo Hotel yesterday, and spoke highly of their visit in promoting cooperation and communication between the two cities.

The delegation is led by Fusae Ota, governor of Osaka prefecture, and Junichi Seki, mayor of Osaka city.

Han warmly welcomed his guests from Japan on behalf of the city government and the people, expressing his hope that the delegation enjoys their time in Shanghai and the visit would be a success.

Shanghai and Osaka established relations in 1974, Han pointed out. Osaka is the capital of Osaka Prefecture as well as one of the largest cities in Japan.

In recent years, Shanghai and Osaka witnessed friendly cooperation and communication in various fields like economy, culture and personnel exchange, and positive result have been achieved, Han said, adding that he firmly believes the mayor's visit will deepen the trust and understanding of both sides and further push forward cooperation in more areas.

The Japanese guests thanked Han for the hospitality they received in Shanghai and hailed the city's rapid development in recent years.