On July 8 and 9, Chinese Consul General to Chicago Zhao Weiping, during a visit to Minnesota, met with Speaker of the House of the General Assembly Mr. Paul Thissen, Mayor of the City of Austin Mr. Thomas Stiehm and other officials.

During the meetings, Consul General Zhao emphasized that China attached great importance to its friendly relationship with Minnesota. He expressed the hope that the two sides can conduct more friendly exchanges and pragmatic cooperation, especially in areas such as medical care where Minnesota enjoyed advantages.

Consul General Zhao also visited local enterprises and cultural institutions including Medtronic, Minneapolis Institute of Arts, the Hormel Institute and Mayo Clinic.

Consul for Commercial Affairs Ms. Shu Luomei attended the above-mentioned meetings.