On 27 April, Consul Genera Tang Rui attended the opening ceremony of the series of events celebrating the 40th anniversary of the sister city relations between Wuhan and Manchester, hosted by Manchester City Council. The ceremony was also attended by nearly 50 representatives from political, business, overseas Chinese and academic communities in the consular district, including the Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor Carmine Grimshaw, and the Leader of Manchester City Council, Councillor Bev Craig. Mr. Xu Qitao, head of the art troupe of South-Central Minzu University who was on a cultural tour in the UK, read out a congratulatory letter on behalf of Wuhan Mayor Mr. Xiong Zhengyu.

Consul General Tang Rui noted that the launch of the eight-month series of events at The Hallé, a 160-year-old historical venue in Manchester, demonstrated the determination and confidence of the two cities to further enhance cooperation across the board by taking the opportunity of Prime Minister Keir Starmer's successful visit to China. It is believed that this will leave a remarkable chapter in the history of the friendly relations between Wuhan and Manchester. Representatives from various sectors in Manchester said that they would make full use of the sister city bond to deepen and elevate practical cooperation with China to new heights.

A cultural performance was presented by the art troupe, creating a warm and festive atmosphere at the event.