Lloydminster welcomes Xilinhot delegation to mark 30 years of sister-city relations

Lloydminster, AB/SK – A six-member delegation from Xilinhot, Inner Mongolia, China, visited Lloydminster on Monday, October 19, marking the 30th anniversary of the sister-city relationship between the two communities.

Led by Mayor Zhang Yingjie, the delegation visited Lloydminster to reconnect with municipal representatives and explore opportunities for future cooperation.

Lloydminster and Xilinhot formally established their sister-city relationship on September 29, 1996, when then-Mayor Ilston Plant travelled to Xilinhot alongside a delegation of Lloydminster representatives to sign the agreement. The partnership was founded on a shared commitment to fostering exchanges in economic development, trade, science, technology, culture, and education.

“For 30 years, our sister-city relationship with Xilinhot has represented an opportunity to build connections, share knowledge, and learn from one another,” says Mayor Gerald Aalbers. “We were pleased to welcome Mayor Zhang Yingjie and the delegation to Lloydminster and renew conversations about how our communities can continue to strengthen this relationship in the years ahead.”

During the visit, representatives discussed areas of mutual interest, including economic development, agriculture, energy, tourism and cultural exchange. With both communities sharing strong ties to agriculture and energy, the discussions highlighted common interests and opportunities for continued dialogue.