Shanghai Mayor Han Zheng will arrive in Taipei April 6 for a four-day visit, Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-bin said Tuesday. Hau also announced plans for a "two-town forum" to be opened during Han's stay.

Hau revealed that the two cities will sign four cooperation memorandums aimed at boosting cultural, travel, science park and environmental protection exchanges.

Noting Han is the mayor of the largest city on the mainland, Hau believed Han's visit will be the first of its kind in cross-Straits relations, and is expected to open a new page in city-to-city cooperation.

He anticipated that Shanghai and Taipei - both key gateways to the Taiwan Straits - will draw the world's full attention this year thanks to the fact that Shanghai will host the World Exposition in May, while Taipei will hold the International Flora Exposition in November.

According to Han's public itinerary in Taipei, he will arrive at the Taipei Songshan Airport April 6. He will attend the Taipei-Shanghai city forum and sign the cooperation memorandums.

During his stay, Han will also meet and talk with local senior high school students, and visit city infrastructure establishments, including the Mass Rapid Transit system, Taipei's subway.

China Daily/CNA

(HK Edition 03/31/2010 page4)